Learning Disability Today
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Alison Bloomer
Managing Editor
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[email protected]
Learning Disability Today is pleased to sponsor the 2026 Leaders’ Awards, which celebrate the achievements of people with a learning disability and autistic people whose leadership, creativity, and determination are making a difference.
The awards, now in their 8th year, are open to UK adults with a learning disability or autism who are challenging stereotypes, pursuing their ambitions, and helping to build more inclusive communities. Anyone can nominate a person, including family members, colleagues, support workers, friends, and community organisations.
Leaders’ Award categories for 2026 are:
- Advocacy, policy, and the media: Advocates, lobbyists, spokespeople, and journalists using their voices to influence change.
Local communities: Celebrating people making a difference in their neighbourhoods and communities, because being out and about locally is a right, not an aspiration. - Sports, arts and entertainment: Recognising athletes, artists, and performers whose talent and dedication deserve the spotlight.
- Work and education: Celebrating people helping to build better career and education pathways for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Leaders’ Awards celebrate people living life on their own terms
The awards are run by Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, and are also supported by campaign partner Stay Up Late.
Luke Ellis, Gig Buddies and Communications Coordinator at Stay Up Late, said: “At Stay Up Late, we often see amazing examples of leadership from people with learning disabilities and autistic people who are living life on their own terms. We are very proud to support The Leaders’ Awards as a campaign partner, as they shine a light on people whose achievements should not be overlooked, but celebrated and shared.”
Nominees do not need to be well known, politically active, or in paid work. Leadership is defined broadly, encompassing grassroots advocacy and creative expression, as well as community action, sport, and education.
In the UK, around 1.5 million people have a learning disability, and around 700,000 people are autistic. Many continue to experience exclusion, low expectations, and limited opportunities to have their voices heard. The Leaders’ Awards aim to challenge this by spotlighting achievements that too often go unrecognised.
The 2026 Leaders’ Awards ceremony will take place on 25 June 2026 in Bristol, bringing together winners, supporters, partners, and invited guests to celebrate leadership in all its forms.
Jordan Smith, chair of the Dimensions Council, which is made up of people who receive support from the provider, said: “Inspiration – and to be inspired by others around you – really matters. That’s why I’m delighted that Dimension is running the Leaders’ Awards once again.
“These awards recognise the unsung heroes among people with learning disabilities and autistic people. And every year, we learn: there are so many more heroes than anyone could imagine! If you know anyone with lived experience who inspires you, please nominate them.”
