Newark native Steven McCoy was honored with a Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award from RespectAbility, a nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities.
Here’s why McCoy earned a nod this year, the nonprofit said:
“Steven McCoy is an award-winning journalist, change-maker, writer and speaker. In 2022, he made history as the world’s first Black deaf-blind journalist. With a deep passion for the arts, McCoy has covered numerous red-carpet events, bringing his unique perspective and personality to his work. He is also the host of the popular podcast, ‘Sessions with Steven,’ where he engages in personal interviews with media and public figures, sharing their stories and insights.”
According to RespectAbility, McCoy’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, which affects both his hearing and sight. After his diagnosis, he founded a nonprofit organization called Spoken Heroes, which strives to empower people with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.
A graduate of Essex County College with a degree in liberal arts, McCoy’s work has been featured on several prominent media outlets, including CNN, Yahoo News, Hollywood Unlocked and Revolt.
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It wasn’t an easy pathway for the talented journalist, however. Growing up in Newark’s North Ward – despite a loving home environment – he struggled with how people treated him due to his hearing impairment.
After his diagnosis, McCoy went through a period of despair, which was made all the worse during the COVID-19 pandemic – an experience that other people with disabilities have also reported.
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McCoy has also experienced a lack of accessibility as a reporter, and the constant need to request accommodations eventually inspired him to advocate for change, Mosaic.nj.com reported. Read the full article here.
Despite the challenges, McCoy is finding a renewed sense of purpose through his work – and the world is a better place for it.
“Being acknowledged in the footsteps of Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell is truly humbling,” he said. “I hope to continue their legacy by striving for positive change and empowerment within the disability community.”
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