The Prince William County Human Rights Commission has selected Gainesville High School senior Tate Jordan to receive one of the 2024 Human Rights Awards for his advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities.
Throughout 2024, Jordan dedicated his time to organizing a career fair for students with disabilities, attending community events to encourage their participation in career and technical student organizations, engaging in legislative advocacy, and more.
“My inspiration for all these projects and advocacy efforts stems from my own personal experiences,” shared Jordan. “As a visually impaired and blind student, I encounter numerous challenges in education and daily life.”
The beginning of 2024 was the catalyst for Jordan’s advocacy efforts in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and beyond.
With the help of several staff members at Gainesville High, Jordan organized a career fair for students with disabilities in January and invited four career and technical student organizations at the school to present to students with disabilities about their organizations and the opportunities for students to join.
Jordan spoke last March at the Prince William County Transition Fair, an event that offers post-secondary guidance and opportunities to students with disabilities and their families.
“I hosted a career development opportunities tiny talk,” Jordan said. “I educated parents and students with disabilities about the career and technical student organizations available within PWCS.”
Legislative advocacy was next on Jordan’s agenda.
Through collaboration with Virginia State Senator Danica Roem, Jordan authored a bill offering a tax credit for braille labeling on products, items, or packages sold in or shipped to Virginia and had it introduced as Virginia Senate Bill 1117.
Additionally, Jordan actively participates in and is a leader in several disability advocacy groups.
“As the national chair of the Disabled Caucus for the High School Democrats of America, I spearheaded advocacy efforts across the nation for three important bills: Virginia House Bill 1283 (IEP/504 Emergency Preparedness), Nevada Senate Bill 315 (Disability Bill of Rights), and Massachusetts Senate Bill 95 (Inclusive Disability Language),” Jordan said.
He also co-authored Virginia House Bill 1806, which provides emergency response plans for student IEPs and 504s.
“All these projects have had a single, straightforward objective,” Jordan said. “To enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to live independently. This could involve securing a job or simply being able to read the information on a product or package.”
Jordan elaborated on why he felt advocacy work for students with disabilities is so important.
"Inclusion isn’t just about providing access—it's about ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and be valued by others."