Marvin OnumonuBusiness Disability Forum has launched the Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 and opened nominations.
The awards, renamed this year to focus on impact, aim to highlight the difference inclusive business practice makes for disabled employees and consumers.
Diane Lightfoot, CEO at Business Disability Forum, said: “The awards are all about individuals and organisations making a real and lasting impact on the lives of disabled people by removing barriers to inclusion, so it seemed logical to rename them.
“Good intentions aren’t enough. For positive change to happen, we need tangible outcomes that help to shape a better future for everyone.”
Entry is free and open to UK and global organisations across all sectors and sizes.
There are 14 categories this year, including a new one for small businesses (fewer than 250 employees) focused on inclusive technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
A lifetime achievement award is also included.
Lightfoot added: “As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the role businesses can play in advancing disability inclusion.
“The Disability Smart Impact Awards are a platform for sharing practical, real-life projects that have had a positive impact on disabled people’s lives.
“These awards go beyond recognition – they also spark sustained impact.”
She said: “By highlighting pioneering practices and inclusive strategies, the Awards inspire action and encourage cooperation.
“Many entrants have also gone on to form new partnerships through their involvement in the Awards, unlocking opportunities that drive long-term change across sectors.”
Cameron Chislett, co-founder at Inkfire, said: “Winning the Disability Smart Award has had a real impact on our work at Inkfire.
“It’s opened so many new doors to collaborations and helped amplify our message about the value of disabled-led innovation.
“It’s also strengthened our credibility with clients who are keen to build genuinely inclusive brands, showing that accessibility and excellence truly go hand in hand.”
Award categories include disability and inclusion professional, leader award, technology award (small and large organisation), workplace experience award (small and large organisation), recruitment award, inclusive communication award, customer experience award (small and large organisation), accessible built environment award, global disability inclusion award, product design award, procurement award and lifetime achievement award.
Nominations will close on 21st January 2026.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in April 2026.
