Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award

Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award

Funder: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Award Amount:

$2,500 in personal recognition

$7,500 to further a new or existing initiative

Total: $10,000 per recipient/team

Recurrence: Annual

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

Initiatives that increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities

Cross-disability advocacy and leadership

Employment opportunities for people with disabilities

Eligibility:

Outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities

Individuals or teams working on an initiative together (expanded in 2022)

Exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community

Award Details:

Up to 2 awards given annually to individuals or teams

Awarded for outstanding contributions to the disability rights movement

Funds support initiatives that advance disability rights

History:
Established in 1999 to honor Paul G. Hearne, one of AAPD's founders. Paul was a passionate advocate for employment of people with disabilities, who:

Founded Just One Break, an employment agency for people with disabilities in New York City

Led the Dole Foundation for Employment of People with Disabilities in Washington, DC

Was committed to cultivating leaders to advance the disability rights movement

Recognition:
Recipients are honored at the annual AAPD Leadership Awards Gala.

Contact: AAPD
Website: www.aapd.com