Business Disability Forum’s (BDF) Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 are now open for nominations.
This year’s awards have been renamed to focus specifically on impact, reflecting the difference that inclusive business practice can make for disabled employees and consumers. It marks a new chapter in recognising the importance of disability inclusion and the organisations driving positive change.
“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,” stated Diane Lightfoot, CEO of BDF.
DISABILITY SMART IMPACT AWARDS 2026
The Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 are free to enter and open to UK and global organisations of all sizes across a wide range of sectors. Since 2015, the awards have showcased individuals and organisations improving the lives of disabled employees and consumers by removing barriers to inclusion.
This year features 14 award categories, including a new Technology Award for small businesses (fewer than 250 employees) focusing on inclusive technology and AI. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented.
ADVANCING DISABILITY INCLUSION
“As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to highlight the role businesses can play in advancing disability inclusion. These awards go beyond recognition – they spark sustained impact,” added Lightfoot. “By sharing pioneering practices and inclusive strategies, they inspire action and encourage cooperation across sectors.”
Cameron Chislett, Co-Founder of Inkfire – which won the Disability Smart Inclusive Workplace Experience Award (small organisation) this year – said: “Winning the Disability Smart Award has had a real impact on our work at Inkfire. It’s opened new doors to collaboration and strengthened our credibility with clients who value genuinely inclusive brands. It shows that accessibility and excellence go hand in hand.”
DISABILITY SMART IMPACT AWARDS 2026
The 14 categories for the Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 include:
- Disability & Inclusion Professional Award
- Leader Award
- Technology Awards – small and large organisations
- Workplace Experience Awards – small and large organisations
- Recruitment Award
- Inclusive Communication Award
- Customer Experience Awards – small and large organisations
- Accessible Built Environment Award
- Global Disability Inclusion Award
- Product Design Award
- Procurement Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominations are now open until 21 January 2026. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in April 2026. Click here to find out more or enter.
RELATED ARTICLES
Check out 2025’s Disability Smart Awards winners here.
Revealed: The winners of Business Disability Forum’s (BDF) Disability Smart Awards 2024
Revealed: The winners of the Disability Smart Awards 2023.
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