Nominations close on 31 July for the inaugural National Disability Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organisations working to create an inclusive Australia that values the contributions of people with disability.  

NDS invites disability service providers, people with disability and their families to nominate outstanding staff, teams and organisations who show excellence, passion, vision and commitment to supporting people with disability.     

Awards will be presented in eight categories:  

• Excellence in Service Quality (Organisation) 
  This award recognises the significant contribution of an organisation in providing quality supports, services and opportunities to people with disability. This could be through building capacity, the development of skills to exercise choice and control, or the co-design of services and support with people with disability. 
• Excellence in Innovation (Organisation) 
  This award recognises an organisation that has developed new or different evidence-based solutions to improve outcomes for people with disability or add value to their lives. 
• Excellence in Disability Support Work (Individual or Team) 
  This individual or team award recognizes the significant contribution of disability support workers to provide supports, services and opportunities to meet the needs of people with disability, especially those with complex support needs, and assist them to live the life they choose.  
• Excellence in Allied Health (Individual or Team) 
  This individual or team award recognises the outstanding contribution and passion of Allied Health professionals and therapy assistants working in the disability sector to clinical excellence, leadership and education. 
• Excellence in Regional and Remote Support (Individual or Team) 
  This award recognises an individual or team making a significant contribution to providing quality services, supports and opportunities to people with disability living in regional or remote Australia. 
• Outstanding Leader of the Year Inclusive Communities Award (Individual) 
  Nominees for this individual award will be employed in a disability sector organisation and demonstrate exceptional guidance, vision, integrity, decision-making, courage and leadership, building the confidence and competency of the people around them, and influencing others to provide innovative and high-quality support to people with disability.  
• Inclusive Communities Award (Businesses and Organisations) 
  Acknowledgement and celebration of the outstanding achievements of businesses and organisations who have demonstrated their commitment to encourage, welcome and support people with disability in their workplace, business and community. 
• Media Award  
  Celebrates media coverage that generates impact, creates awareness of disability, promotes inclusion in a contemporary way and highlights the value of the work of disability service providers. 

Further information, including the nomination guide and form, can be found on the NDS website. The nomination guide has everything you need to know about the award categories, criteria and conditions of entry.   

Nominations for the eight categories close at 5.00pm AEST on the 31 July and winners will be announced at the NDS CEOs’ meeting in December.    

Thank you to our category sponsors:       

Article sourced from National Disability Services