Sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities, JFA Awards honor the work that members of Congress, corporations and members of the community are doing to advance the rights of people with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to bring the community together to remember the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act and look forward to the work that still needs to be done.

This award is given to individuals whose sustained efforts have had a significant, nationwide impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities. Past winners include: Senator Lowell Weicker (1986); Senator Robert Dole (1987); Edward Mattei, FAIA, (1990); Safeway Inc. Chairman Peter Magowan (1991); Rehabilitation International President Fenmore R. Seton (1992); Justin Dart, Jr. (1993); Tony Coelho (1994); Judith E. Heumann (1996); David Hoppe (1997); Senator Dale Bumbers (1998); Ginny Thornburgh (2002); California First Lady Maria Shriver (2004), and Eunice Kennedy Shriver (2005).

In 2003, Joyce received the New Freedom Initiative Award from Federal Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. Joyce is the only individual who, along with five businesses, and four non-profit organizations received the 2003 award. The Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of President George W. Bush’s New Freedom Initiative

Bender Consulting Services, Inc. was selected by the National Epilepsy Foundation as the 2002 Employer of the Year. The award was given because Bender’s outstanding contributions and commitment to the epilepsy movement and to a better quality of life for people with epilepsy.

Bender Consulting Services, Inc. was recognized for its significant contribution to the Butch Ward Memorial Bass Tournament.

Bender Consulting Services received the Employer of the Year Award for leadership and an outstanding example set in the support of hireAbility and the empowerment of people with disabilities. hireAbility is a Philadelphia computer training school that teaches students with disabilities information technology.

Bender Consulting Services won the Power of Work Award in the small for-profit category. The committee selected Bender because of the outstanding efforts the company has made in the employment of people with disabilities.

Joyce Bender and Bender Consulting Services were recognized by the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities for the outstanding achievement her for-profit company has made toward employing people with disabilities.

Joyce A. Bender, President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. was honored as one of 12 southwestern PA Presidents/CEOs to receive a 2008 Diamond Award, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

Joyce A. Bender was chosen as 2006 Community Champion by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WQED Multimedia, and the Pittsburgh Foundation, for her steadfast volunteer service to the Western Pennsylvania region. Ms. Judy Painter, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania nominated Ms. Bender for this distinguished award.

This award was received in recognition for the tremendous public service accomplished by the company,to provide competitive employment opportunities for citizens of New Jersey with epilepsy.

Bender Consulting’s accounting firm, Sisterson & Co., nominated Joyce and Bender Consulting to receive the Pacesetters Award for 2002, sponsored by the Smart Business Network (SBN). This award honors executives of small businesses who are making an impact on business in the Cleveland, OH, Columbus, OH, Akron, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA areas.

On June 4, 1999, President Bill Clinton presented Joyce Bender, CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc., with the 1999 President’s Award for her work at Bender Consulting Services, as well as her numerous community efforts. The President’s Award is America’s highest honor for achievement in furthering the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Joyce Bender received this award for her dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities. United Rehabilitation Services (URS) is a United Way Agency supported by the Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Joyce Bender and Bender Consulting Services were recognized for inclusive work practices and a strong willingness to work with people of all abilities.