Advocate for disabled workers is 2017 CNN Hero of the Year

“My children are not broken,” Amy Wright insists.

Most parents don’t have to declare their children’s fundamental value, but after two of 2017 CNN Hero of the Year Amy Wright’s kids were born with Down syndrome, it was clear that she would have to back them up every step of the way.

“When you become a parent of a child with special needs, you are instantly thrust into becoming an advocate,” Wright explained. “Trying to make people see the beauty in their lives that we see.”

Wright’s advocacy took the form of a coffee shop. She opened Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in January 2016, named for her two children.

On Sunday, it was clear that Wright, Bitty, Beau and the 40 disabled employees at the Wilmington, North Carolina, shop have an army of supporters.

Wright was named the 2017 CNN Hero of the Year for her efforts to advocate for disabled people. The award is determined by online voters who selected Wright from among the top 10 CNN Heroes finalists.

Wright will receive $100,000 to grow her cause. All of the top 10 CNN Heroes for 2017 will receive a $10,000 cash award. Donations made to each of their designated nonprofit organizations are also being matched up to $50,000.

Amy Wright operates a coffee shop that employs dozens of people with disabilities. She won the 2017 CNN Hero of the Year award for her work and will receive $100,000 to grow her cause. Click through the gallery to see inspiring moments from this year's awards show:

Co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper speak onstage during 2017's CNN Heroes tribute gala, held on December 17 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Actress Diane Lane introduces 2017 CNN Hero Amy Wright, one of the top 10 finalists. Later, Wright would win Hero of the Year.

Wright speaks while accepting her Top 10 CNN Hero award.

Kelly Ripa introduces the first of five Young Wonder honorees.

"Stranger Things" star Gaten Matarazzo introduces 2017 Young Wonder Sidney Keys III.

Young Wonder honoree Sidney Keys III and Gaten Matarazzo pose backstage during "CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute."

2017 CNN Hero Khali Sweeney accepts his award onstage.

2017 CNN Hero Samir Lakhani poses with his award.

Actor Christopher Meloni introduces 2017 CNN Hero Stan Hayes.

2017 CNN Young Wonder Christina Li

Actor Andrew Rannells welcomes 2017 CNN Hero Leslie Morissette.

Anderson Cooper poses with 2017 CNN Young Wonder Ryan Hickman.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan introduces 2017 CNN Hero Andy Manzi.

2017 CNN Hero Andy Manzi accepts his award.

A view of the audience during the 2017 "CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute" at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

2017 CNN Hero Jennifer Maddox

2017 Young Wonder Campbell Remess

2017 CNN Hero Mona Patel

Actress Alfre Woodard speaks onstage.

2017 CNN Hero Rosie Mashale accepts her award.