The Business Disability Forum has launched its revamped Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 and opens nominations today to mark International Day of People with Disabilities.
The awards, renamed to highlight measurable change, recognize organizations and individuals who make a tangible difference to the lives of disabled employees, customers and service users. BDF said the new focus reflects companies’ growing need to not only show good intentions but also show real impact.
Diane Lightfoot, CEO of the Business Disability Forum, said the renaming was an evolution in the way disability inclusion should be recognized. “The awards are about individuals and organizations making a real and lasting impact by removing barriers to inclusion,” she said. “Good intentions are not enough. For positive change to happen, we need tangible results that help shape a better future for everyone.”
The awards are free to enter and open to UK and global organizations of all sizes. There are 14 categories available. This year, a new technology award was launched specifically for small businesses, recognizing innovative applications of inclusive technology and AI. A Lifetime Achievement Award also recognizes an individual who continually demonstrates commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Since their launch in 2015, the awards have showcased cross-industry, practical initiatives that improve the workplace experience, customer access, product design and the built environment.
Lightfoot added that the awards have often acted as a catalyst for long-term progress. “The Disability Smart Impact Awards are a platform for sharing practical, real-world projects that have had a positive impact. These awards go beyond recognition – they inspire sustainable action and new partnerships.”
Past winners say the awards can be transformative. Imali Chislett, co-founder of Inkfire, which won the Inclusive Workplace Experience Award for small businesses last year, said the award “opened new doors for collaboration” and increased credibility with customers. “It helped reinforce our message about the value of disability-focused innovation,” she said.
This year’s categories include Disability & Inclusion Professional, Leader Award, Recruitment, Inclusive Communication, Customer Experience, Accessible Built Environment and Global Disability Inclusion. There are separate categories for small and large companies in the areas of technology and workplace experience, as well as product design and sourcing awards.
How to take part
The deadline for nominations is January 21, 2026. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in April 2026. Full details and previous winners can be found on the Business Disability Forum website.
The Business Disability Forum works with more than 600 member organizations, representing over 20% of the UK workforce, helping companies remove barriers and improve the experiences of disabled employees and consumers.
