Advocates in Disability Awards (ADA)

The Advocates in Disability Award (ADA) program awards and encourages a young adult with a disability between the ages of 14 and 26 who is dedicated to positively affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families in the United States. The program also supports an innovative project developed by the recipient to serve and empower individuals with disabilities.

Funded by both The HSC Foundation and the Sarah Beth Coyote Foundation, the selected recipient is awarded $3,000 in recognition of his or her disability advocacy and will receive up to an additional $7,000 in funding support for a project to benefit the disability community.

Examples of qualified applicants can include (but are not limited to): a student who is advocating for equal access to quality education, a young professional educating an employer about workplace accommodations, or a young person advocating for better policies for people with disabilities. This person does not have to be a “professional” advocate, but should be effectively working to make a difference. Overall, the ADA program seeks to recognize and award individuals who are advocates through their deep belief and commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of all people with disabilities. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application submission and recipient selection.