Breakthrough UK National Independent Living Awards

Businesses that go the extra mile for disabled people are to be heralded at the third National Independent Living Awards.

Manchester / Liverpool based Breakthrough UK wants to celebrate organisations who consistently champion disabled people by ensuring recruitment practices do not create barriers, making public places more accessible or providing modern accessible homes.

Breakthrough UK is a not-for-profit organisation which is at the forefront of tackling barriers to employment and independence experienced by many disabled people.

It established the awards in 2007 to applaud those commercial and voluntary organisations that excel in promoting the independence of disabled people.

Categories in this year’s Awards will be presented to companies that promote: good practice in employing disabled people; accessible public transport; and the provision of accessible, useful, and timely information.

Other categories are open to groups or organisations that promote: peer support among disabled people; and an overall independent living initiative.

A new category has also been created in this year’s Breakthrough UK Independent Living Awards to celebrate the outstanding business achievements of a young disabled person.

The ‘young entrepreneur’ prize is open to all disabled people under the age of 35 who have established their own business, organisation or initiative.

Nominations open on February 1, 2010, and all entries must be received by March 19, 2010. The awards ceremony will be held at Manchester Town Hall on 16 June, 2010.

Further information about how to enter can be found at www.breakthrough-uk.co.uk or by contacting Rachel Wise, Gary Timperley or Theresa Cartmill on 0161 273 5412.

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