The wait is over – nominations are officially open for the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards 2025, an annual event organised by not-for-profit support provider Dimensions, alongside campaign partner Supported Loving.
The Leaders’ Awards are returning for their seventh year, offering an exclusive opportunity to celebrate people with learning disabilities and autistic people who are leading the way and making the world better for themselves and others.
Over the past seven years, the Leaders’ Awards has celebrated over 1,000 inspiring, real-life stories and received over one million social media impressions. Each year, these awards become a platform for community champions, campaigners, and trailblazers in the arts, sports, and education to share their incredible journeys.
Cyclist and artist Niall Guite, a 2021 winner in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment, turned his passion into purpose, raising over £6,000 for Special Olympics GB through his vibrant stadium art. More recently, the 2024 awards saw Richard Campbell, a 68-year-old volunteer in Shropshire celebrated for dedication to Severn Hospice and Barnardo’s charity shops, valuing community engagement and personal independence.
This year’s grand ceremony will be held in late May 2025 at the iconic Sheffield Millenium Gallery. It’s free for all, with each participant receiving a personalised digital certificate. Twenty finalists, hailed as ‘Leaders’, will be unveiled and celebrated, with the chance to share their story on the day. Details about the venue and hosts are to be announced soon.
Anybody with a learning disability or an autistic person can enter or be nominated for the Leaders’ Awards. No formal diagnosis is required – self-diagnosis is valid, and the awards are open to everyone, not just those receiving support.
Submitting a nomination is simple! They can be made online or a more accessible option can be provided by contacting the organisers through the Dimensions website. The submission forms are available in plain text and easy read. Entries and nominations close on Monday 3rd February at 10am.
The 2025 Leaders’ Awards is proudly partnering with Choice Support’s Supported Loving, a national network championing best practices to ensure that people with learning disabilities and autistic people can enjoy the same romantic freedoms as everyone else.
Rachael Dodgson, Chief Executive of Dimensions, says:
“Each year, the Leaders’ Awards move us a step closer towards our goal of building a more inclusive society by honouring the invaluable contributions of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, whose exceptional work is often overlooked. The 2024 winners’ event was truly a highlight of my year, with so much pride, warmth and incredible people in one room. Beyond spotlighting successful achievements, we want to encourage people to be proud of who they are.
“If you or someone you know has had a standout 12 months, overcome challenges or achieved a personal goal, we’d love to learn about it. I can’t wait to see what inspiring stories we’ll uncover this year.”
Piangfan Naksukpaiboon, a 2024 Leader, shared:
“Lots of people always told me that because I’m autistic, it’s impossible to study abroad and to get a Ph.D. But there’s always someone who says, ‘it’s ok, you’ve got this’. We all need someone who believes in us, and I want to be that someone for others, which is why these awards are so important.”
There are four categories for the Leaders’ List, recognising a wide range of achievements of people with learning disabilities and autistic people:
· Advocacy, Policy and the Media – championing people with learning disabilities and autistic people who are challenging negative views and making society fairer for everyone
· Local Communities – recognising people with learning disabilities and autistic people who are improving where they live and helping other people enjoy what their local area has to offer
· Sports, Arts and Entertainment – showcasing the dedication of athletes, artists and performers who are deserving of their spotlight
· Work and Education – celebrating people who are volunteering, earning money, learning new things and sharing their experiences, expertise and knowledge
With Dimensions receiving over 100 nominations in 2024, they look forward to spotlighting more inspiring individuals and their stories this year.
