The award was named after the Honorable Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This award is presented annually to a CEO, President, or government leader who has demonstrated a significant commitment to employ people with disabilities in competitive positions, and worked to influence other business and/or government leaders. This award is to honor the work of Tony Coelho, the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act - a true civil rights leader of people with disabilities.
2011 Tony Coelho Award Winner - John Berry, Director, Office of Personnel Management
2010 Tony Coelho Award Winner - NSA
2009 Tony Coelho Award Winner - Senator Richard J. Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader, US Senate
2006 Tony Coelho Award Winner - Greg Babe, President and CEO of Bayer MaterialScience
2005 Tony Coelho Award Winner - Congressman Steny Hoyer
2003 Tony Coelho Award Winner - Dr. Kenneth Melani, CEO, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield