Nominations are open for the Disability Smart Awards 2021, which celebrates organisations and individuals who are working to transform the lives of disabled people in the workplace and society.

Launched by non-profit organisation Business Disability Forum, they particularly want to hear from businesses that have changed how they work to “help deliver a better experience” for disabled employees or customers during the past year.

The awards will “share and recognise disability smart action and initiatives” taken by the shortlist and winners, and be judged by Business Disability Forum’s team for practitioners in HR, people managing, and D&I space.

Sponsored by disability services and support organisation Microlink, the awards recognise inclusive practice across 12 areas. These include customer service, diversity and inclusion, leadership, workplace adjustments, recruitment, procurement, and technology.

New award categories have been added this year to highlight the work of SMEs and micro-businesses as diverse employers and the efforts of all organisations to create truly inclusive physical environments.

There are also four additional awards to highlight employers’ commitment to the Government’s Disability Confident scheme, where employers work to harness the talents of disabled workers. The awards will highlight those who have provided support during COVID-19 and promoted good mental health and wellbeing and will be awarded directly by Disability Confident.

Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum, said: “The Disability Smart Awards 2021 recognise the achievements of businesses and individuals to improve the experiences of disabled people. They are an opportunity to share learnings from the last 12 months and to celebrate what has been achieved, through sheer hard work and in difficult and uncertain times.”

The Disability Smart Awards 2021 are open for nominations and free to enter. Nominations will close on 31 August 2021. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 2 December 2021. To read the full list of award categories and find out more information about entering, click here. To find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme, click here.