Learning Disability Awards

Celebrating Excellence – National Learning Disability Awards Shine Across Northern Ireland

ARC NI is proud to champion the incredible achievements of those supporting people with a learning disability.  And the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards offer a shining stage for these extraordinary stories.

This event and the awards recognise outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations who go above and beyond to make a real difference in the lives of people with a learning disability. Whether it’s through innovative support, empowering advocacy, or creating inclusive communities, the awards celebrate dedication, passion, and excellence across our sector.

Past Winners from Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s learning disability and autism community was full of heart, innovation, and leadership at the last event in 2023.  And these winners show exactly why.

Employer Award – Praxis impressed judges with its forward-thinking use of apps and technology to reduce pressure on staff. Their digital tools not only aid learning and well-being but connect support workers at every level.  Including from frontline teams to boardroom leaders. This has made the workplace more responsive, efficient, and supportive.

Newcomer Award – John Sheilds, representing Mainstay DRP, stood out for his boundless enthusiasm and commitment. He’s earned the praise of service users and created meaningful, community-based opportunities. His nomination carried a touching message: “Your Dad would be proud of you!”

Support Worker Award (Community) – Tori McIntyre is described as humble yet fiercely devoted to her role. Her belief is simple but powerful. That is if every support worker acted like her, managers and regulations would become redundant. Tori’s voice shines through with a call for inclusion: “Decision makers must start including autistic people and people with a learning disability so that we can all work towards better outcomes.”

Support Worker Award (Supported Living & Residential) – Jenny Ward from Positive Futures was honoured for her deep devotion. She views those she supports and her colleagues as family, bringing warmth and unwavering dedication to her work.

Frontline Leader Award – Jolene Courtney Rowlands of Kilcreggan Homes embodied leadership through solidarity and resilience. Her story of managing a staff ‘bubble’ through intense ten-hour days during the Covid crisis speaks volumes: “We did that, we got through together.” Her compassionate leadership is both powerful and inspiring.

Manager Award – Rosemary Wray of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust was recognised for her people-first leadership and infectious positivity. Her energy puts smiles on faces—and fuelled the judges’ belief she’ll go far.

And There Was More

Making a Difference Award (Individual) – Philip Reain-Adair from the Live Life Well-being Centre is a creative force. His entrepreneurial spirit helped build new, inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and autism in his community. Philip’s imaginative and solution-focused work is truly transformative.

Making a Difference Award (Team) – The Just Ask Project at Informing Choice NI has opened up crucial conversations around puberty, consent, grief, menopause, and more. By normalising these “taboo” topics at every level—from policy to peer support—they empower individuals with autonomy and understanding every day.

Breaking Down Barriers Award – Greg Nixon, a person who receives support from Potens in Derry, and his care team were honoured. Together with the Western Health & Social Care Trust’s Positive Behaviour Support Team and Social Work Team, the team made great strides helping Greg access healthcare, participate in his love of horse riding, and build a fulfilling life with dignity and joy.

Positive Behaviour Support Award – Mark Connolly of Mencap was honoured with judges praising his deep knowledge and evident passion for PBS, noting how much he supports and guides his colleagues in bringing about meaningful, person-centred change. His work clearly reflects the values of empowerment and effective behavioural support.

Outstanding Contribution Award – Paula Jennings from Stepping Stones was recognised for her outstanding lifetime of leadership and development within the organisation. Judges were especially moved by her leadership philosophy, summed up in her words: “It is a privilege to give people opportunities to excel and it is important to treat people as people and leave all the other baggage at the door.” Her passion and commitment to people truly set her apart.

Finally our very own TILII members were also winners.

People’s Award – earned by the TILII Project, a powerful, user-led initiative run by adults with a learning disability. TILII stands out for its compelling advocacy on critical issues—from safeguarding to health rights—ensuring that the voices of people with a learning disability and autism are heard and valued. Judges praised the project for “making the world a better place for everyone, especially people with a learning disability.”

Why These Recognitions Matter

These individuals and teams illustrate the best of Northern Ireland’s social care sector—where compassion meets creativity, and everyday efforts make extraordinary impacts. Whether through digital innovation, personal connection, or bold conversation, each winner amplifies what it means to truly support and uplift others.

• Celebrate Success – These stories shine a light on the outstanding work happening right here in Northern Ireland.
• Raise the Profile of Our Sector – Show the community—and our leaders—just how impactful inclusive care and innovation truly are.
• Inspire Others – Highlighting these examples encourages fresh ideas and renewed dedication across the sector.

This year’s categories include recognition for frontline support workers, managers, learning disability nurses, volunteers, and those championing rights and inclusion. It’s a chance to tell the stories of those whose everyday actions change lives – and to give them the recognition they truly deserve.

Nominations for 2025 are open, with the NI ceremony scheduled for 23 September at the Hilton Belfast.

So if you know someone—or a team—making a difference, now is the time to nominate.

Let’s celebrate the heart, creativity, and dedication that make Northern Ireland’s learning disability sector so extraordinary — and inspire the next generation of remarkable winners.