The National Press Foundation has established a new annual journalism award sponsored by Easterseals, a national disability services nonprofit, to promote outstanding journalism that expands the public’s understanding of issues impacting people with disabilities.
The Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities, which carries a $10,000 prize, will recognize exemplary reporting on the wide-ranging topics affecting more than 70 million Americans with a disability today. The award will recognize reporting that deepens the public’s understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by people with disabilities. Coverage might explore topics such as accessibility in education and employment, healthcare disparities, mental health, inclusive technology, transportation barriers, or the impact of policy changes on daily life.
“The stories we tell about disability shape our workforce, our economy, and our future. They influence how we define opportunity, how we support families and caregivers, and how we build systems that open doors instead of closing them. Journalism plays an important role in shaping that understanding,” said Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport. “When reporting examines disability with depth and nuance, including its connection to caregiving, economic mobility, and access, it helps inform stronger policies and more thoughtful business and community decisions. Easterseals is proud to partner with the National Press Foundation to establish this award and recognize journalists whose work brings clarity, context, and substance to the national conversation on disability.”
Journalists will be able to apply for the award in August. It is open to any U.S.-based professional journalist whose work exemplifies the highest standards of journalism. Selection of the winner is at the sole discretion of NPF and its independent judging panel of esteemed journalists. The inaugural winner of the Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities will be selected in the fall and presented with the award at the 2027 National Press Foundation Annual Journalism Awards Dinner.
NPF issues more than 15 awards every year to recognize and encourage excellence in journalism in keeping with our mission of “making good journalists better.”
“More than 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability, and everyone benefits from nuanced reporting about their lives and the policies and practices impacting this diverse community,” said NPF President Anne Godlasky. “NPF is pleased to have this opportunity to encourage and honor outstanding coverage of issues shaping the lives of people with disabilities.”
About Easterseals: Trusted by families for more than 100 years, Easterseals serves millions annually with essential disability, aging, and veterans’ services across the U.S. Easterseals empowers people to live full lives with greater independence, no matter their disability, age, or life stage. Learn more at easterseals.com or follow on social media.
About the National Press Foundation: The National Press Foundation is a 50-year-old nonprofit whose mission is to “make good journalists better.” NPF educates journalists on the complex issues of the day and trains them to use the latest reporting tools and techniques. The foundation recognizes and encourages excellence in journalism through its awards and fellowships. Learn more at nationalpress.org or follow on social media.
