We are happy to launch the fifth edition of the EASPD Innovation Awards! These awards aim to highlight the remarkable work of organisations striving to innovate and take new approaches to promote full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

The 2025 Innovation Awards will be focused on good practices that empower people with disabilities to participate in cultural, recreational, leisure, and sports activities in the community. There is no doubt that these activities enrich our lives and create spaces for sharing and celebration, social interaction and collaboration. Hobbies and pastimes can help us develop skills and connections with others. They can make our lives more enjoyable and fulfilling. Yet, inclusive design of many cultural, sports and leisure activities remains an afterthought despite Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) stating the right of persons with disabilities to take part in these activities on an equal basis with others.

At EASPD, one of our priorities is to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy everything that culture and recreation have to offer through the services that support them. Our Spring 2025 conference will be guided by Article 30 of the UNCRPD and centre around this topic. Innovation Award winners will be invited to share their work at the event held in Gandia, Spain! The call is open to all organisations and it is not required to be an EASPD member.

How to apply

What is an Innovative Practice?  
 
The practice must be: 

• Innovative: it encompasses a new (or optimised), more effective and efficient solution to respond to the needs and wishes of persons with disabilities. 

• Human rights-based: it is aligned with the UN CRPD and is person-centred and human rights-based. It is co-produced with persons with disabilities, their families and representatives. The practice fosters the community and social engagement of persons with disabilities and by no means represents a form of segregation. 

• Effective: it is demonstrably impactful. We are looking for practices that have already been implemented. These practices may be in a pilot stage but must have results demonstrating their impact. 

This year's theme
 
Each year, the EASPD Innovation Awards focus on a different theme. In 2025, they will focus on Article 30 of the UN CRPD and will be showcased during EASPD's International Conference in Gandia, Spain in May 2025. 

Practices in these areas are considered highly relevant: 

• Arts and Culture  

• Sports  

• Volunteering  

• Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in other recreational or leisure activities

Awards criteria

The submitted practice must follow the following criteria:  

• The practice provides an opportunity for persons with disabilities to choose what to do in their free time, including participation in arts, culture, recreation, sports, social life and other leisure activities such as volunteering, on an equal basis with others. 
• The practice promotes and fosters inclusion of persons with disabilities and their social engagement in the community on an equal basis with others and by no means represents a form of segregation. 
• The practice is sustainable in the long-term and transferable. There must be potential for the practice to be adapted or replicated in different contexts or locations. 

 
Who can apply? 
 
This call is not exclusively for EASPD members and all types of organisations are encouraged to apply. Service providers, education institutions, sports clubs, leisure groups, private or public companies, etc.
 
How to apply? 
 
Please complete this form. It will take you about 20 minutes. You can find the questions below.
 
When to apply? 
 
The deadline for applications is  2 February 2025 at 23:59 CET. 
 
How will my practice be assessed? 
 
All submissions will be evaluated in a multi-step process involving peer review and voting. The jury includes experts, Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) representatives, service providers and academics specialised in the topic. The selection will be made based on scoring of the selection criteria, diversity in activities, methods and geographical distribution. 
 
What is the prize? 
 
The 5 winners will receive an award during the EASPD International Conference in Gandia, Spain in May 2025 and a travel grant to participate in the event. They will have the opportunity to present their organisation and practice during the conference and will be promoted on all EASPD communication channels.