Nominations opened for the 2024 Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List awards
There are an endless list of things we hope are left in 2023, including inflated costs and social care isolation. However, one thing we are glad that is following us into the new year is the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List awards.
Now entering its sixth year, the awards aim to recognise people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are challenging stereotypes and transforming communities. Previous years have seen a vast number of individuals celebrated for the incredible work they do.
For example, in 2022 Nigel Hollins was crowned a winner after he founded the charity Beyond Words that seeks to help disabled people experience stories by creating word-free books and setting up book clubs across the country. In addition, Leanne Yeo was also named as a winner. She is a two-time medallist at the Special Olympic games who singlehandly raised over £4,500 for charity.
To make the event even more special, this year, winners will be invited to an event to honour their achievements at Cineworld O2 London in April. Hosted by Greatest Hits Radio DJ Ken Bruce, the ceremony will put the inspiring winners at its heart, offering free entry and supporting them with accessible information and facilities.
Nominations for the awards are now open and are due to close on 29th January 2024. These can be made online here.
Rachael Dodgson, Chief Executive of Dimensions, said: ‘We are incredibly excited to usher in our next cohort of Leaders. We still see so much misrepresentation and underestimation of autistic people and people with learning disabilities across society, so providing a platform to celebrate their achievements remains as important as ever.
‘Our awards ceremony next spring is set to be a standout event of the year. Have you had an exceptional 12 months? Did you overcome a huge barrier or reach a personal goal? Do you know someone who is particularly creative, strong, or kind? We’d really love to hear about it.’
As part of the awards, there are four categories for the Leaders’ List, recognising a vast range of achievements of people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
These include:
- Sports, Arts and Entertainment
- Advocacy, Policy and the Media
- Local Communities
- Work and education
Ken Bruce, Greatest Hits Radio DJ and 2022 Leaders’ List ceremony host, said: ‘Year in year out, the stories we see through the Leaders’ List are incredible. It is a brilliant kaleidoscope of people pushing forward and building better communities for us all, and it’s always a joy reading about their achievements, spanning arts and entertainment, education, and advocacy. Amidst a news cycle that can admittedly focus on the negatives, it’s great to take a step back and shine a light on individuals who show we can always be doing more for the world around us.’
The awards are spearheaded by the not-for-profit organisation Dimensions, member organisation VODG and sector collaboration My Vote My Voice.
Images: Dimensions and Jason Dent
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