The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the application for the 2022 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards is now open! We are seeking to recognize emerging leaders or groups with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. While the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards have previously recognized only two individuals, we are expanding the eligibility status that groups of people working on an initiative can apply for the award. Everyone in the group applying for the award must identify as an emerging leader with a disability. Two (2) individuals or groups will each receive $7,500 to further a new or existing initiative that increases opportunities for people with disabilities and $2,500 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the disability community.

We encourage applicants who self-identify as an emerging leader with a disability to apply, regardless of U.S. citizenship, incarceration status, or age. We especially encourage people who have experienced intersecting forms of discrimination and from historically excluded backgrounds, rural areas, and U.S. territories to apply. An applicant’s status as an emerging leader is not necessarily tied to age, education status, employment, or specific experience or involvement in the disability community.

Apply for the 2022 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award by Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 5:00pm ET.

AAPD will host a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm ET for any interested applicants to review the information and answer any questions you have. ASL and CART will be provided. Register here for the webinar. If you have any additional access needs, please email programs@aapd.com.