21st January 2026
Dimensions is now inviting submissions for its 2026 Leaders’ Awards! The awards encourage people across the UK to put forward individuals whose leadership, creativity, and commitment are making a real impact.
The Leaders’ Awards celebrate adults with learning disabilities and autistic people who are breaking down barriers, following their ambitions, and helping to create more inclusive communities.
Submissions are open to everyone. The nominations close on 16th February 2026.
Family members, friends, colleagues, support workers, and community organisations are all encouraged to take part.
Any adult with a learning disability or any autistic adult living in the UK can be put forward. There is no requirement to have a public profile or formal role.
Those put forward do not need to be widely known, politically active, or in paid employment. Leadership is understood in broad terms, including advocacy, creativity, community involvement, sport, education, and everyday action.
Across the UK, around 1.5 million people have a learning disability, and around 700,000 people are autistic. Many still face exclusion, low expectations, and limited chances to be heard. The Leaders’ Awards exist to help change this by highlighting achievements that often go unseen.
The 2026 Leaders’ Awards will finish with an award announcement and celebration event on 25 June 2026 in Bristol, bringing together award recipients, supporters, partners, and invited guests.
Leaders’ Award categories for 2026 are:
- Advocacy, policy and the media
Advocates, lobbyists, spokespeople, and journalists using their voice 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.
The 2026 Leaders’ Awards are supported this year for the first time by Learning Disability Today (LDT), a leading specialist publication for the learning disability and autism sector.
Alison Bloomer, editor of Learning Disability Today, said that her magazine was
delighted to sponsor the 2026 Leaders’ Awards. Now more than ever, it is important to recognise the skills, determination, and strong self-advocacy of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It is also essential to celebrate the positive impact they have in our communities by challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusion, and being leaders in their own lives.
The Leaders Awards 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.
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.
Submit your nominations at: www.leaderaward.co.uk