Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, has opened nominations for its 2026 Leaders’ Awards, calling on the public to put forward people whose leadership, creativity, and determination are making a difference.
The Leaders’ Awards recognise adults with learning disabilities and autistic people who are challenging stereotypes, pursuing their ambitions, and helping to build more inclusive communities.
Anyone can nominate, including family members, colleagues, support workers, friends, and community organisations.
The awards are open to any adult with a learning disability or any autistic adult living in the UK.
Nominees do not need to be well known, politically active, or in paid work. Leadership is defined broadly, from grassroots advocacy and creative expression to 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 shining a spotlight on 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.
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 sponsored 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.”
Nominations are now open and can be submitted online at: https://www.leaderaward.co.uk/how-to-enter/submit-your-entry/
About Dimensions:
Dimensions supports 3,000 adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. 7,000 colleagues provide support in more than 700 supported living homes and 30 residential care homes across England and Wales.
Dimensions and its four subsidiaries – Discovery, Dimensions Cymru, Dimensions Personalised Support, and Outreach3Way – is the UK’s largest specialist not-for-profit support provider by turnover.
We are also a registered housing provider and believe everyone should have access to good housing and choice about where they live. Our housing team finds, provides and maintains nearly 1,000 homes. We also act as landlords for people who are supported by partner organisations. We work with around half of all local authorities in England and Wales.
Our support also includes outreach services, and short breaks. We work closely with family members.
Founded in 1976, Dimensions supports people to live ordinary lives as part of their local community. We are guided by our vision: Better Lives for More People. The organisation shines a spotlight on people’s achievements through the annual Leaders Awards. Dimensions champions adults with learning disabilities and autistic people in parliament to influence policy. It campaigns with them to build meaningful friendships and promote better health.
Visit the Dimensions website, and follow us on:
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