Learning Disability Today
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The Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards, which celebrate the achievements of people who make remarkable contributions to the arts, sports, entertainment, work, advocacy and their community, have announced the presenters for this year’s awards ceremony.
The 2026 awards, run by Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, are sponsored by Learning Disability Today and supported by campaign partner Stay Up Late.
This year’s compere is Joe Wells, an autistic stand-up comedian whose comedy explores everyday life, identity, politics and social rules through honest, observational humour. He is well known for blending personal experience with wider social commentary.
The keynote speaker is Jonathan Andrews, a solicitor specialising in Entertainment and Media law at Reed Smith and a leading advocate for disability and neurodiversity inclusion.
He has received national and international recognition, including being named Disability/Neurodiversity Champion at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025 and a Top Neurodiversity Role Model Worldwide in 2024. Jonathan also serves as the youngest-ever Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley.
Leaders’ Awards presenters
The presenters for the Leaders’ Award categories for 2026 are:
- Advocacy, policy, and the media: Chris Bonello, an autistic author, speaker and advocate, will present the Advocacy, Policy and Media category. This award recognises advocates, lobbyists, spokespeople, and journalists using their voices to influence change.
Local communities: Alison Cross, a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility and helping people with learning disabilities feel confident, heard and valued, will present the Local Communities category at this year’s Leaders Awards. This award celebrates 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: Sam Barnard, a professional actor with nearly two decades of experience across television, radio, film and theatre, will present the Sports, Arts and Entertainment category. This award recognises athletes, artists, and performers whose talent and dedication deserve the spotlight.
- Work and education: Bradley George Wilson, founder of Spring Into Phab, a social group focused on friendship and community opportunities, will present the Work and Education award. This celebrates people helping to build better career and education pathways for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
In addition, Elliott Garcia will play an important role at the Leaders Awards 2026, delivering the housekeeping announcements that guide audiences throughout the day.
Elliott is widely recognised as the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas & Friends and is also a previous Leaders’ Awards winner. Alongside his voice-acting work, he is a strong advocate for inclusion and opportunity, drawing on his experiences to encourage others and demonstrate what is possible when talent is recognised and supported.
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.
