Disability Confidence Awards 2026

Introduction

The Australian Disability Network Disability Confidence Awards celebrate the organisations and individuals driving disability inclusion across Australian workplaces and communities. In 2026, we have expanded the program with new categories, separate recognition for small to medium enterprises and large organisations, and a more accessible nomination process.

Nominations are open from 1 June to 14 August 2026, with finalists announced on 19 September 2026. Award recipients will be announced at the awards dinner on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at The Sofitel, Melbourne.

Partner with us

Nights like this don’t happen without our members behind them. Being part of it, at any level, does two things at once: it helps shift Australia towards a more inclusive place to work and live, and it’s a genuinely good night. There’s a way in for every organisation, whether that’s nominating someone doing great work, sponsoring a finalist to attend, or partnering with us.

2026 Disability Confidence Awards Partnership Prospectus – accessible word doc

How to nominate

• Review the award categories below to find the right fit for your nomination.
• Complete the online nomination form for your chosen category. Each form includes guidance notes to help you provide a strong response.
• For program awards (Intern, Supervisor, Mentee, Mentor), you may be able to submit your responses as a video or audio recording. Check the form for details.
• Nomination forms are word docs, if you need an alternative format or assistance completing the form, contact awards@ausdn.org.au.

Key dates

• Nominations open: 1 June 2026
• Nominations close: 14 August 2026
• Finalists announced: 19 September 2026
• Awards dinner: Tuesday 20 October 2026, The Sofitel, Melbourne

2026 Award Categories

• Inclusive Marketing & Communications Award New for 2026!
• Digital Accessibility Progress Award New for 2026!
• Inclusive Event and Space Design Award New for 2026!
• Intern of the Year
• Supervisor of the Year
• Mentee of the Year
• Mentor of the Year
• Workforce Inclusion Initiative of the Year (SME and large org)
• Customer Inclusion Initiative of the Year (SME and large org)
• DEN/ERG of the Year (SME and large org)
• Emerging/Next Generation Leader Award New for 2026!
• Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year

Accessible Practice Awards

Inclusive Marketing and Communications Award: Recognises an organisation that has created marketing, advertising, or communications that authentically and respectfully represent people with disability. This includes the work itself and how it was made, from creative development through to production. An inclusive process behind the scenes is just as valued as inclusive representation on screen.

Download the Inclusive Marketing and Communications Award nomination form

Digital Accessibility Progress Award: Recognises an organisation that has made meaningful progress in improving the accessibility of its digital products, services, or platforms. This award recognises progress, not perfection.

Download the Digital Accessibility Progress Award nomination form

Inclusive Event and Space Design Award: Recognises an organisation that has designed a physical space, event, or experience with accessibility and inclusion at its core, going beyond minimum compliance.

Download the Inclusive Event and Space Design Award nomination form

Program Recognition

Intern of the Year: Recognises an Australian Disability Network Internship Program intern who demonstrated initiative, collaboration, and growth during their placement.

Download the Intern of the Year nomination form

Supervisor of the Year: Recognises an Internship Program supervisor who created a genuinely inclusive environment for their intern and actively built their own disability confidence.

Download the Supervisor of the Year nomination form

Mentee of the Year: Recognises a Career Mentoring mentee who actively engaged in their development, worked towards their goals, and contributed to a meaningful mentoring relationship.

Download the Mentee of the Year nomination form

Mentor of the Year: Recognises a Career Mentoring mentor who demonstrated genuine commitment to supporting their mentee’s growth, provided thoughtful guidance, and built their own disability confidence.

Download the Mentor of the Year nomination form

Embedded Practice

Each of the following awards has separate small to medium enterprise (SME, fewer than 200 employees) and large organisation (200+ employees) categories.

Workforce Inclusion Initiative of the Year: Recognises an organisation that has implemented an initiative which meaningfully improved the inclusion and experience of employees with disability.

Download the Workforce Inclusion Initiative of the Year nomination form

Customer Inclusion Initiative of the Year: Recognises an organisation that has implemented an initiative which meaningfully improved the experience of customers, clients, or service users with disability.

Download the Customer Inclusion Initiative of the Year nomination form

DEN / ERG of the Year: Recognises a Disability Employee Network or Employee Resource Group that has created real impact within its organisation.

Download the DEN / ERG of the Year nomination form

Leadership

Emerging / Next Generation Leader Award: Recognises an individual in the early stages of their career who is already making a significant contribution to disability inclusion in the context of business, employment, or customer experience.

Download the Emerging / Next Generation Leader Award nomination form

Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year: Recognises an individual who has driven significant, lasting impact in disability inclusion, with a significant component relevant to organisational practice.

Download the Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year nomination form

Eligibility

• Unless otherwise stated, all work nominated must have taken place between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026. (See specific dates for Programs nominations)
• Open to AusDN members and non-members.
• If shortlisted, the nominee or their organisation must have a representative available to attend the awards dinner.