AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award

The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. Two recipients are selected and each receives a financial award plus additional project funding to further a new or existing initiative. Supported projects must increase opportunities for people with disabilities and focus on impact within the United States and its territories. Recipients are honored at the AAPD National Community Event (virtual).

$10,000 recognition award plus $15,000 project funding for each recipient; recipients are honored at the virtual AAPD National Community Event.

Applicants must identify as a person with a disability, identify as an emerging leader, and propose a project that focuses on creating impact within the United States and its territories.

Review award requirements, complete the required application, provide evidence of leadership and advocacy, describe the project to be supported, submit required supporting materials and the completed application per program instructions.