Mark Seifarth

Today 4PM ET: Register Learn More & Apply for AAPD’s 2027 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award recognizing outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities

Learn More Register for Webinar and Apply Here: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leaders-award/?utm_source=Main+AAPD+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=79dc319473-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_08_06_01_06_COPY_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7d4fdb3943-f9e320fdc9-49903109

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Webinar Is Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 4 PM ET
Editor’s Note and Correction: Our August 5th email announcing the application opening contained a typo that said the webinar is “Wednesday, August 24.” The correct date for the webinar is this Wednesday, August 26. Our sincere apologies for any confusion caused by this error. 

Applications for AAPD’s 2027 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award are now open! The Hearne Award recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader disability community. The award is named to honor the legacy and leadership of our co-founder and AAPD’s first President, Paul G. Hearne, who had a bold idea to create AAPD. 

AAPD is hosting a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, August 24th, at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT for interested applicants to learn about the program and application process, and to get questions answered. ASL and CART will be provided. Register here for the webinar. If you have any additional access needs, please email programs@aapd.com.Register For the WebinarNot sure whether you should apply? Here’s more information about applying for the 2027 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. 

What does it mean to receive the award?
Two (2) recipients will receive an award of $25,000: $10,000 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the disability community and $15,000 to further a new or existing project or initiative that increases the opportunities for people with disabilities. Awardees are recognized in the community for their work, their project is promoted by AAPD, and they also receive support from AAPD to help achieve their goals for their project or initiative. 

Who should apply?
We encourage applicants who self-identify as an emerging leader with a disability to apply, regardless of U.S. citizenship, incarceration status, or age. A recipient can be an individual or a pair (2-person group). We especially encourage people who have experienced intersecting forms of discrimination and from historically excluded backgrounds, rural areas, and U.S. territories to apply.

Do emerging leaders have to be young in age? Or students?
An applicant’s status as an emerging leader is not necessarily tied to age, education status, employment, or specific experience or involvement in the disability community. The full list of applicant requirements can be found here.

When and how is the award given?
The recipients of the 2027 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards will be honored among national disability leaders at the virtual 2027 AAPD National Community Event in the Spring. The event is usually held in April.

I can’t make the webinar! What other resources does AAPD have for applicants? 
If you can’t make the webinar, it will be recorded and uploaded to the AAPD website, along with a transcript. In addition to the webinar, AAPD has a guide for applicants that includes a sample application, financial and disbursement information, resources for creating your application budget, and more.

Where can I learn more about the impact of the Hearne Award?
Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award recipients have used their award funds to create organizations, publications, books, blogs, and so much more that have shaped, resourced, and supported disabled people. Many community leaders got their start or increased the recognition of their work at the national level as a result of the award. We strongly encourage you to learn about our incredible 2026 awardees here, and to check out these written and video profiles of PGH award winners over the years, compiled to celebrate 25 years of the award.Learn More and Apply Here***The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 70 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation. To learn more, visit the AAPD website: www.aapd.com.