The 2020 Barbara Jordan Media Awards were planned to be held in partnership with the Texas A&M College of Liberal Arts, the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M, and Texas A&M Athletics. In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and their partners worked together to create a virtual awards program honoring the winners and highlighting their outstanding work.
“These awards are named after a remarkable woman who had the courage to fight, break down barriers, and build opportunities for those with disabilities,” says Gov. Greg Abbott. “The incredible work of this year’s winners reflects her spirit of inclusion and serve as a reminder that it is incumbent upon all of us to recognize the immeasurable value of individuals with disabilities. I congratulate the awardees and thank them for playing an important role in leading this charge.”
Established in 1982, the Barbara Jordan Media Awards recognize the respectful, accurate portrayal of people with disabilities by media professionals and students. Media plays an integral role in shaping public perceptions and awareness, and these awards celebrate those in the media who shape public perception using positive portrayals and people-first language. The full list of this year’s winners along with links to their work is included below.
Congratulations to the 2020 Barbara Jordan Media Award Winners!
College Broadcast Rebecca Sloane, The Battalion, College Station Year Two: Signing the Midnight Yell
College Print Magazine Sarah Hoenig, Insite Brazos Valley magazine, Bryan Beep Baseball: Making Dreams Come True
High School Documentary Eaglevision Film Productions, Lindale High School, Lindale Students Miles Hill, Braulio Navarro, Lauren Knox, Jeffrey Ptak, Jude Ratcliff, and Ashlynn Brice Miniature Blessings: Where Community Meets the Classroom
High School Journalism Jordan Ramsey and Jacob Choi, Eagle Nation Network, Prosper High School Run, Mabry, Run
Photojournalism Lola Gómez, Austin American-Statesman Just Like Me
Radio Podcast Shelly Brisbin, Relay FM, Austin 36 Seconds That Changed Everything: How the iPhone Learned to Talk
Radio Broadcast (Series) Laura Isensee, Houston Public Media Texas Students Fighting for Special Education Services
Broadcast Feature Walt Maciborski, CBS Austin KEYE-TV Game On!
Broadcast Entertainment Teresa Woodard, WFAA-TV Channel 8, Dallas I’m Not Less: They have autism, and the video games they develop are hitting it big
Print Feature Suzanne Garofalo, Houston Chronicle Daughter of the Water
Print Profile Megan Rodriguez, The Bryan College Station Eagle Bridget Frank: Facing challenges, pursuing her passion
Print News Mary Huber, Austin American-Statesman The Long March to Healing: One soldier’s recovery after the Fort Hood shooting
Print Magazine Britni McAshan, Texas Medical Center’s Pulse magazine, Houston Shooting for Gold: An elite athlete sets her sights on the Paralympics
