The applications for the 2026 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards are now open! We have some big news about an exciting change starting in 2026: AAPD is increasing the award amount from $10,000 to $25,000 per recipient. This year is the 25th Anniversary of the Paul G. Hearne Awards, and this increase will ensure recipients can make an even bigger impact with their award. This change will also increase the cash award we give to recognize the awardee's contributions to the community. We are very excited about this increase, and we look forward to providing greater support to these outstanding leaders. Are you interested in applying to the 2026 award? Go to our website to learn more, read our press release about the award increase, and register for our webinar for interested applicants on Tuesday, September 30 at 4 PM ET: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leaders-award/ Alt Text: A navy blue graphic with lighter blue design elements, a white AAPD logo, and white text says, "2026 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. Big news: The Hearne Award amount is increasing to $25,000 per recipient! Applications now open! Application deadline: Monday, October 20th at 5pm EST." A black and white photo of Paul Hearne, a white man with brown hair and a mustache in a suit with a polka dot tie. (fb)

Immigration is a complex process that creates many challenges. For immigrants with disabilities, the administrative, structural, and interpersonal difficulties are even greater. Luanjiao Hu shared with us what it means to her to be a disabled immigrant in her recent blog: https://ow.ly/cve150WXwx1 ID: A photo of Luanjiao Hu with a quote "Many disabled people plan and live their lives based around their disability. As a disabled immigrant, I also plan and live my life based on my immigration status." (fb)