About the competition
The Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards are accepting applications until September 23. Two recipients will each receive a total of $25,000.
- $10,000 in recognition of the outstanding contributions to the disability community
- $15,000 to fun a new or existing project or bold idea that advances the movement for disability rights and justice.
The recipients of the 2027 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards will be honored among national disability leaders at the virtual 2027 AAPD National Community Event in the Spring. This is a powerful chance to turn a bold idea into reality with support from AAPD.
Who can apply?
In order to apply for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, you must:
- Identify as a person with a disability
- Identify as an emerging leader
- Project must focus on creating impact within the United States and territories
Applicants will not be required to disclose their specific disability. However, by filling out an application, you agree you are a person with a disability. AAPD defines disability broadly, including people without a formal diagnosis but experience disability or chronic medical conditions (including long COVID and mental health conditions), and will not request proof of disability.
Emerging leaders are not tied to age, education status, employment, or the amount of specific experience or involvement in the disability community.
We encourage people who have experienced intersecting forms of discrimination and who are from historically excluded backgrounds, rural areas, and U.S. territories to apply. The proposed project or initiative should have ties to U.S. or U.S. territories.
When applying for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, you can either apply as an individual or as a pair. If you are applying as a pair, both people must be eligible to apply.
For additional information about the award, applicant resources, FAQ documents as well as the application link you can head over to the main Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award page: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leader-award/
- $10,000 in recognition of the outstanding contributions to the disability community
- $15,000 to fun a new or existing project or bold idea that advances the movement for disability rights and justice.
The recipients of the 2027 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards will be honored among national disability leaders at the virtual 2027 AAPD National Community Event in the Spring. This is a powerful chance to turn a bold idea into reality with support from AAPD.
Who can apply?
In order to apply for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, you must:
- Identify as a person with a disability
- Identify as an emerging leader
- Project must focus on creating impact within the United States and territories
Applicants will not be required to disclose their specific disability. However, by filling out an application, you agree you are a person with a disability. AAPD defines disability broadly, including people without a formal diagnosis but experience disability or chronic medical conditions (including long COVID and mental health conditions), and will not request proof of disability.
Emerging leaders are not tied to age, education status, employment, or the amount of specific experience or involvement in the disability community.
We encourage people who have experienced intersecting forms of discrimination and who are from historically excluded backgrounds, rural areas, and U.S. territories to apply. The proposed project or initiative should have ties to U.S. or U.S. territories.
When applying for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, you can either apply as an individual or as a pair. If you are applying as a pair, both people must be eligible to apply.
For additional information about the award, applicant resources, FAQ documents as well as the application link you can head over to the main Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award page: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leader-award/
Prize
Mixed/Other
$25,000
Deadline
September 23, 2026
1 day from now
Eligibility
Open to everyone
Open worldwide unless noted.
