We are happy to launch the sixth 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.

This year's theme

Each year, EASPD Innovation Awards focus on a different theme. In 2026, they will focus on organisational change in disability support services, in view of building capacity for person-centred support, and will be showcased during our International Conference in Porto, Portugal in May 2026.  

Practices tackling one or more of the following topics are considered highly relevant:  

• HR resource management: strategies for effective recruitment, retention, staff training, well-being, and developing inclusive workplace cultures.  

• Communication, partnerships and marketing: Exploring strategies for cross-sector collaboration and engagement with public authorities and strengthening the visibility and outreach of service providers through effective communication and marketing approaches that demonstrate social impact and build trust with stakeholders, funders, and families. 

• Financial management and planning: strengthening organisational resilience through effective financial planning and management, ensuring budgets remain adaptable and flexible to deliver person-centred services, while also exploring new avenues of funding and building sustainable financial models;  

• Capacity building for the digital and green transition:  equipping service providers with the skills and tools to integrate digital solutions, promoting sustainable practices and preparedness that respond to environmental challenges.  

• Leadership & change management: Exploring ways to strengthen transparent and inclusive management, and developing systems that assure service quality in line with Quality of Life model and set clear frameworks for effective delivery and managing organisational change in line with the UNCRPD.  

How to apply

Who can apply?  

Applications are open to all disability support services and networks across Europe, both large and small organisations are eligible. Initiatives must have been implemented (fully or partially) within the last 4 years.  

What is an Innovative Practice?  
The practice must be: 

• Innovative: The initiative encompasses a new or optimised, more effective solution to enhance organisational or service efficiency to address gaps or unmet needs.  

• Sustainability and Transferability: The initiative has potential for long-term viability and can be adapted by other support services.  

• Effective: The initiative is impactful, producing tangible results that improve organisational structure, service provision and/or outcomes for persons with disabilities. Demonstrated or emerging impact even in pilot phase.  

• Human Rights-based: The initiative is aligned with the principle of the UN CRPD and seeks to advance its implementation. 

How to apply?  

We warmly invite you to apply and share your promising practices with us. To do so, please fill out the form.

It will take you approximatively 20 minutes.  
  
When to apply?  
  
The deadline for applications is  1  February  2026  at 23:59 CET.  

Applicants will be contacted by  27  March 2026.

How will my practice be assessed? 

All submissions will be evaluated in a multi-step process involving pre-assessment, peer review and scoring. The jury includes experts, Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) representatives, support service providers and academics specialised on 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 winners will receive a prize during the EASPD International Conference in Porto, Portugal (May 2026) as well as a travel grant for participating in the event. The winning practices be promoted across all EASPD communication channels.  

For any questions, please contact Miguel Buitrago, EASPD Learning and Development Officer, at miguel.buitrago@easpd.eu