Taylor Burch Achievable Award: Johnnie Horton

Johnnie Horton has been selected by Able SC’s staff and board as the recipient of this year’s Achievable Award. After leaving an abusive situation with little more than hope, Johnnie, who has an intellectual developmental disability and other disabilities, took courageous steps to rebuild her life on her own terms. With support, she moved into a safe and stable home, began using supported decision-making, and committed to developing skills that foster independence. Through her newly acquired independent living skills, Empower Hour peer support, and disability-led trainings, she has developed advocacy skills, learned to set boundaries, and made informed choices about her future. One of her greatest accomplishments has been gaining financial literacy, which has equipped her to budget, manage expenses, and plan for long-term stability. Johnnie’s journey is a testament to transformation, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Achievable Award.

The Taylor Burch Achievable Award is named after Taylor Burch, a former individual who received services and support from Able SC. Taylor used his skills to advocate for his service animal to be included in all aspects of his community life, and succeeded, making national news. Taylor unfortunately passed away in 2021.

Adaptable Award Winner: Heather McCue

Heather McCue, Children and Teen Services Manager at Richland Library, has been selected by Able SC’s staff and board as the recipient of this year’s Adaptable Award. Heather’s leadership exemplifies flexibility, responsiveness, and a deep commitment to disability inclusion. She has transformed library programs and services by embedding accessibility into every aspect of her work, from inclusive story times to adaptive technology sessions. By equipping staff to recognize and remove barriers, centering the voices of people with disabilities, and fostering a culture of equity over compliance, Heather has created a lasting impact across the library system and the community it serves. Her dedication to listening, learning, and adapting demonstrates the power of equity-driven design, making her a truly deserving honoree of the Adaptable Award.

Commendable Award: Cristina Picozzi

Cristina Picozzi, Executive Director of the Harriet Hancock Center, has been selected by Able SC’s staff and board as the recipient of this year’s Commendable Award. Cristina has been a steadfast ally of the disability community, partnering with Able SC on Advocacy Day and numerous programs ranging from youth initiatives to independent living. They have prioritized accessibility not only in the Center’s buildings but also in its programming and outreach, ensuring that inclusion is woven into every aspect of the organization’s work. By encouraging staff to center accessibility, seeking expert guidance when needed, and consistently engaging the disability community in program development, Cristina has created meaningful and lasting change. Their commitment to equity, Independent Living philosophy, and amplifying the voices of multi-marginalized people exemplifies true dedication, making them a deserving recipient of the Commendable Award.

Respectable Award: Nikki Brown

Jennequia “Nikki” Brown, Chief Inclusion Officer at the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SC DPH), has been selected by Able SC’s staff and board as the recipient of this year’s Respectable Award. Nikki has been instrumental in elevating disability inclusion within SC DPH, ensuring that the voices and leadership of people with disabilities are central to the agency’s work. Under her leadership, Able SC was invited to review and shape onboarding materials for new staff, marking the first time the department formally integrated feedback from the disability community. This resulted in training developed by people with lived experience. Nikki also championed accessibility in SC DPH’s mobile health clinic RVs, making sure rural communities receive fully inclusive services. Her vision and commitment have driven transformational changes within public health, positioning people with disabilities as essential partners in building a more equitable system. Nikki’s leadership embodies the spirit of the Respectable Award and sets a powerful example for inclusive change across South Carolina.