Business Disability Forum (BDF) has launched the Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026, marking a new phase in its recognition of disability inclusion within business. The awards, open for nominations from 3 December, coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and spotlight the tangible outcomes of inclusive leadership and design.
This year’s iteration introduces a sharpened focus on impact, reflecting BDF’s emphasis on real-world results. “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,” said Diane Lightfoot, Chief Executive of BDF. “Good intentions aren’t enough. For positive change to happen, we need tangible outcomes that help to shape a better future for everyone.”
Established in 2015, the annual awards have recognised progress across workplaces, products, and customer experiences. For 2026, BDF has introduced 14 categories, including a new Inclusive Technology Award for small businesses employing fewer than 250 staff, focused on the use of AI and assistive technologies. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also honour long-term commitment to improving the lives of disabled people.
Lightfoot said the relaunch underscores business’s growing role in advancing accessibility. “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,” 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, unlocking opportunities that drive long-term change across sectors.”
Among past winners is Inkfire, a creative consultancy that secured the 2025 Inclusive Workplace Experience Award (small organisation). Co-Founder Imali Chislett said the recognition helped amplify the company’s work: “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.”
The awards remain free to enter and open to UK and global organisations of all sizes. Nominations close on 21 January 2026, with winners announced at a London ceremony in April 2026. Full details, including eligibility and past winners, are available on the Business Disability Forum website.
Business Disability Forum represents more than 600 member organisations, collectively employing over 20% of the UK workforce and a further 16 million people worldwide. The membership body advises, supports, and challenges businesses to embed disability-smart practices, shaping policy and business culture in partnership with government and disabled people.
You must be logged in to post a comment.