Disability Impact Awards - Terms and Conditions (Part 1)
1. Purpose
The Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) Program, a Partner in the Community with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), will be celebrating ten (10) years of delivering the NDIS across its service areas in April 2026. The 10 Year Celebration Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have contributed to the success of the Uniting LAC program and who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to inclusion for people with disability.
2. Disability Impact Award Categories
- Organisation Award (Community): For organisations operating within NSW & ACT who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to disability inclusion and improved outcomes for people with disability.
- Leadership Award (Community): For leaders in NSW & ACT who have demonstrated inclusive leadership, integrity, and compassion in advancing positive change for people with disability and their communities.
- Individual Award (Community): For individuals in the community in NSW & ACT who have used their lived or living experience, advocacy, or community contribution to influence, strengthen, and promote disability inclusion.
- Uniting LAC / Team Award (Uniting LAC Program): For Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) employees or team, that recognises contribution, collaboration, and impact within the Uniting LAC program.
3. Eligibility – Who Can Be Nominated
3.1 Eligible Nominees
A nominee may be:
· an individual with lived or living experience
· an organisation (community, government, non‑profit, or business)
· a leader (formal or informal)
· a Uniting LAC staff member or
· any group contributing to disability inclusion.
3.2 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, nominees must:
1. Reside in NSW or ACT.
2. Have contributed to inclusion, accessibility, community development, or improved outcomes for people with disability within the past ten years
3. Agree to be nominated and verify the truth and accuracy of information provided.
4. Who Can Nominate
· Anyone may submit a nomination, including people with disability, families, community members, providers, organisations, and staff.
· There is no limit to the number of nominations any individual may submit.
5. Conflict of Interest
5.1 Service Providers, Politicians & Public Office Holders
Nominations involving the following must be declared:
· NDIS service providers (registered or unregistered)
· Organisations or individuals who may gain commercial or reputational advantage
· Politicians (local, state, federal)
· Political candidates
· Public servants working in disability, social policy, or NDIS related functions‑related functions
· Senior leaders, board members, or executives in disability organisations
These nominations may be subject to an integrity review.
5.2 Uniting LAC Staff
· Staff may only be nominated for the Disability Impact Award– Uniting LAC.
· Staff must declare conflicts (family members, direct reports, managers, personal relationships).
· Staff cannot judge nominations where a conflict exists.
5.3 Judging Panel Conflicts
Judging Panel members must:
· Declare conflicts.
· Recuse themselves where necessary.
· Sign a conflict of interest declaration.
5.4 Commercial or Organisational Interests
Nominations creating perceived or actual commercial benefit may require additional review and verification.
5.5 Right to Exclude
Uniting may exclude or reassign nominations where conflicts cannot be managed.
