June 11, 2009

Arlington to Host Annual Barbara Jordan Media Awards Luncheon
Statewide Event is June 12 at New Cowboys Stadium

Who: Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities

What: 26th Annual Barbara Jordan Media Awards Luncheon

When: 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 12

Where: New Cowboys Stadium in Arlington

Why: To celebrate the contributions of those whose communication efforts encourage accurate and progressive portrayal of people with disabilities. This is the first time Arlington has hosted the statewide event.

About the Awards Ceremony on June 12
The Barbara Jordan Media Awards Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, at the new Cowboys Stadium. The keynote speaker is gold medalist and four-time paralympian Randy Snow. The awards luncheon also includes vendors, a silent auction and tours to showcase accommodations for stadium guests with disabilities.

About the Awards
In 1982, the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities created the media relations program to recognize the efforts of those who help eliminate attitudinal, social and physical barriers, and encourage accurate and progressive portrayals of people with disabilities. The award is named in honor of the late Barbara Jordan, a person with multiple sclerosis who championed the causes of individuals with disabilities as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979.

This year, the following organizations will receive awards: WFAA-TV Dallas, Texas Country Reporter, Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, the Austin American Statesman and San Antonio Express News.

To learn more about the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, visit www.arlingtontx.gov/disabilities.

Note to Media: Excellent video and photo opportunities at Friday’s event. If planning to attend, send e-mail to Cheryel.Carpenter@arlingtontx.gov or call 817-459-6404.