The 2016 INCLUDE Awards

For 33 years, INCLUDEnyc has been the primary source of information for young people with disabilities and their families in New York City. We believe that all young people — regardless of background or ability — should have access to opportunities, assistance, and services that help them achieve their full potential. Each year, we assist more than 5,000 youth, families, and professionals, while reaching countless others through our online communications and outreach events.

INCLUDEnyc's biggest night of the year will include a special video tribute from Grammy Award-winners A Great Big World, a message from Micah Fowler  —  breakout star of ABC's new series, Speechless  —  and a luxury silent auction.

WHO: INCLUDEnyc will present its 2016 INCLUDE Awards to the following recipients:

Daniel Oquendo, Jr., McGuire Family Advocacy Award recipient, is the brother of Avonte Oquendo, whose tragic death inspired Avonte's Law. Having a sibling with a disability has made Danny more aware of the many challenges faced by young people with special needs and their families, and inspired him to fight for change on behalf of the community. He is currently a top student at New York Law School and plans to pursue a career advocating for special needs families and young people, like Avonte.

Micah Fowler is the breakout star of the new sitcom Speechless, and his sister Kelsey Fowler is an actress whose roles on Broadway include Mary Poppins and Bonnie and Clyde. Micah's disability has shaped him and his sister into the people they are today. Kelsey has learned from her brother to have endless joy, perseverance, and patience. They want people to understand that having a disability does not define a person and one should never be limited or told what they can't do.

Karesse Grenier is a great supporter of INCLUDEnyc's mission and work with individuals and their families. Karesse is the mother of Entourage actor Adrian Grenier, and the sister of Rosemary, Freddie, and Barry Greenier. Growing up with siblings with disabilities gave Karesse firsthand exposure to the kindness, love, and joy her siblings bring to the world every day.

Jayson and Maximus Beltran are the sons of Emmy Award-winning Telemundo journalist Sofia Lachapelle. Jayson has autism and Maximus, his younger brother, has autism with ADHD. Both brothers are the heart behind their mother's autism advocacy and the launch of "Un Paso a La Vez" ("One Step at a Time"), dedicated to informing, guiding, and lending support to Latino parents who have children with special needs.

Georgie Evans is a remarkable young man and has been an invaluable part of the INCLUDEnyc team for three years. His relationship with sisters Izzy and Kate Evans exemplifies how each person is unique, different, and exceptional. Georgie enjoys helping individuals and families who come to INCLUDEnyc for assistance.

Seth Kramer is an INCLUDEnyc Board and Junior Board member, and his sister Haya Kramer is an INCLUDEnyc Junior Board leader as well. Seth has cerebral palsy and having Haya as his biggest supporter and best friend has pushed Seth to face any hurdle thrown his way. INCLUDEnyc has introduced them new communities and opportunities.

Harold Lander is an INCLUDEnyc Junior Board member with dyslexia who works for Sciame Construction, and is a student in NYU's part-time MBA program. Both Harold and his sister Rachel Lander, a senior at University of Chicago, are true believers in INCLUDEnyc's mission to provide services for young adults with disabilities, and promote inclusion for them in the broader community.

Alexandra McArthur is a founder of INCLUDEnyc's Junior Board. She and her sister Park McArthur both have muscular dystrophy. Their unique bond has allowed the sisters to confront ableism in the world and in themselves. Both believe that getting to be a part of and witness another person's journey for self-determination and self-fulfillment is very powerful.

Evan Mozeson is an entertainment technology major at City Tech College and an active member of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities. Sarah Mozeson holds a BFA from Syracuse University, and Kayla Mozeson is a freshman at the University of Edinburgh. Having a sibling with Asperger's syndrome has taught Sarah and Kayla not judge based on looks or actions. You never know a person's story.

WHEN: Monday, November 7, 6 - 9 p.m.

WHERE: Bryant Park Grill, 25 West 40th Street, New York City, NY

MORE INFORMATION: www.INCLUDEnyc.org/gala

Contact: Gennarose Pope • (212) 677-4650 ext. 36 • [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161028/433891

SOURCE INCLUDEnyc

Related Links

http://www.INCLUDEnyc.org