Access will always be a cornerstone of our mission. However, eliminating barriers to access cannot be done by one individual or organization alone, but instead it takes the hard work of a community. Tonight, we celebrate 40 years of advancing access, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities across our region.

Keynote Speaker

Fletcher Cleaves was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down due to a driver suspected of texting behind the wheel. This traumatic incident caused him to lose his football scholarship but with faith, perseverance, and a year of intense physical therapy, he graduated from The University of Memphis. As a professional motivational speaker, Fletcher shares his testimony of overcoming adversity, safe driving, importance of education, and faith-based living with ESPN and College GameDay. “The Wheelchair Nomad” is also a world traveler and brings awareness to accessibility issues.

To many, his accident seemed like the end of a young man’s promising future, but on the contrary, it became the prologue to his destiny.

Advocate Award

Troy Allen has been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities for over 35 years with a strong commitment to the SRVS’ mission “Providing the services that people with disabilities need to live meaningful lives as members of their communities.“ Over multiple leadership roles in both TN and MS, his experience includes consulting with state-agencies, provider organizations and national advocacy groups to train and promote full inclusion. Allen headed the project team to implement Tennessee’s highly regarded “Employment and Community First” service model. He’s also an expert on ”organizational transformation, disability employment and community engagement.”

Advocate Award

“Better Transit for a Better Memphis (BTBM) was organized by MICAH and the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group in 2024, and holds Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) accountable and further fights for adequate funding. It builds on prior victories to bring about greater mobility and economic equity for the working class. This will also substantially reduce Memphis’ tragically high poverty rate. Our mission is to champion the transformation of a fully funded public transit in Memphis that serves both dependent and choice riders." www.micahmemphis.org/transit-equity

Lifetime Achievement

“Congressman Steve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian who has served the 9th District of Tennessee since 2006 and dedicated his life to public service. As a child, the challenges of living with polio taught him how to overcome obstacles.” (cohen.house.gov) Today, we celebrate him with the Deborah Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award.