Simply Open Awards 2022

Recognising and sharing practical, simple life hacks across the disability community

A wheelchair user is exercising using some stretchy ropes

Do you have a life hack that has helped you overcome some of the barriers or exclusion you face? Would you like to help other people do the same? If so, join many others in the disability community to share your ideas, learn from others and you could win up to £2,000.

Learn moreApply now

Globally sponsored by

Elililly LogoAMV BBDO LogoFivver logoGlobal Discovery Awards Logo

What are the Simply Open Awards?

We have created an awards programme to bring attention to the solutions that disabled people, and the people in their lives, hack and use.
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‍To apply, you need to send a 2-minute video* that shows a hack you use to make life with a disability better.  It doesn’t matter how large or small your solution is: if you know it makes a difference, we want you to tell us about it.

*If recording a video is not accessible to you, we do allow other formats such as photos, supporting word documents or audio files.

In your application, explain the problem that you are solving, and how your solution helps.  Maybe your solution helps you, or someone in your life, to be more independent, or to be more comfortable, or to feel happier. Explain how!

Sometimes it’s the little solutions that make a big difference, and we want to know yours

Maybe you have an idea in mind, but you’re wondering if it is too small to share. Please do share your idea! We want to know about solutions that are making a difference, even if they feel small. Please check out some examples below

Watch Josh's example of his solution

Watch Ali's example of her solution

Watch Sam's example of her solution

Watch Lynn's example of her solution

An illustration of a diverse group of 7 people having a discussion about a solution

Are You Eligible to Apply for the Awards?

We want you to apply if:

  1. You have a disability or specific access needs; OR
  2. You are a carer, friend, colleague, teacher, or family member of someone with disability or access needs.

You must live in one of the following countries to apply:

  1. United Kingdom / Ireland
  2. United States / Canada
  3. Australia / New Zealand

Telling us about your solution means you want to share it with others:

  1. This is not a good place to send solutions that you want to sell, or that you have already sold, because we may share your idea online for free.

Simply Open Award Categories for 2022

There are 5 categories for our awards. You can submit as many different solutions as you want, but make sure you submit each solution to only one category.

Daily Living & Wellbeing

Do you have a solution that improved your activities, or someone else’s?
Think about eating, dressing, staying clean, getting around the home, and keeping a healthy mind, body and soul.  Submit a daily living solution in this category.
Sponsored by
Elililly Logo

Employment & Advocacy

Fivver logo
Do you have a solution that helped you or someone else engage more in work? Think about employment, and also about volunteer work and advocacy.  Submit your work solution in this category.
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Sponsored by

Getting Out & About

Do you have a solution that helped you or someone else to go places and do more?  Think about getting around, socialising with others, taking part in sports, entertainment and fun activities. Submit your ‘going out’ solution.
Sponsored by
Open Inclusion Logo

Communication

Do you have a solution that helped you or someone else to communicate better in day-to-day life?  Think about talking or writing or signing with family, friends, doctors, and more. Submit your communication solution in this category.
Sponsored by
AMV BBDO Logo

Education

Do you have a solution that helped you or someone else to learn something new?  Think about learning facts, but also about learning new skills.  Submit your education solution in this category.
Sponsored by
Open Inclusion Logo
Open Inclusion Logo

Wildcards

3 regional Impact Wildcards  will be awarded for fabulous solutions at the discretion of the Wildcard sponsors.
Sponsored by

Prize Structure

  1. 1st - £2,000
  2. 2nd - £1,000
  3. 3rd - £500
  4. 4th - £250
  5. 5th - £100

Each category will have the same prize structure awarding the top 5 individuals.

  1. 1st - £2,500
  2. 2nd - £1,000

Non Goverment Organisations (NGOs) and Non-Profits whose members submit the most accepted solutions for the competiton will be awarded for their advocacy and outreach efforts in sharing the competition with their communities.

  1. 3 x £750

Impact wildcards. One solution per region.

Timeline for the awards

19th May 2022
Applications Open
14th September 2022
Applications Close
19th
September 2022
Judging Starts
3rd December 2022
Simply Open Award Winners Announced
10th January 2023
Global Discovery Awards
23rd February 2023
Zero Project Conference

How to Enter the Simply Open Awards

  • 1.Read the application criteria

  • 2.Record your video, audio file or word document that is accessible and easiest for you

  • 3.Upload content and complete submission

Start now

Globally sponsored by

Elililly LogoAMV BBDO LogoFivver logo

Calling NGOs and Not for Profits

The Open Inclusion team are presenting at an event.
  1. 1st - £2,500
  2. 2nd - £1,000

To support our Community Partners and all the incredible work you do, we have 2 prizes to award two organisations who encourage their members to submit the greatest number of solutions to the Simply Open Awards.

If you have a community that might be interested in taking part and you want to help spread the word about these awards to your community. Please contact us on: simplyopenawards@openinclusion.com

If you win one of the Simply Open Awards,
you could win the chance to present
your solution in Vienna in 2023.

Two people presenting a solution on stage in front of an audience.

The Simply Open Awards are sponsored by Open Inclusion. Similar contests are run in other countries by Enable India, EI Labs, and Enable Me.  We have joined with these organisations to create an even larger global contest. Together, we are the Global Discovery Awards. If you win a Simply Open Award, you have the chance to compete with other winners in the Global Discovery Awards. Two final winners will get to present their solution in front of world leaders at the Zero Project Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, February 2023. The trip and expenses will all be paid for.

Judges selected for 2022

We are now closed for judging applications and you can now view our judges who have selected for 2022.

A mother and son presenting a mood board solution for hidden disabilities

Learn

about the wonderful grass root solutions that have been developed by people with lived experience across the disability community

Assess

the applicants videos

Inspire

applicants by giving them feedback about their solutions

Join

our virtual event on 3rd December 2022 and meet the finalists, sponsors, other judges, and partners

Local sponsors and partners

InMoment LogoChristopher & Dana Reeve Foundation LogoAustralian Network on Disability logo.Essl Foundation LogoColostomy UK LogoRemarkable LogoXR Access Logo

Join our socials

Would you like to share the opportunity to bring together a great selection of practical solutions that we can all learn from? Together we will celebrate the creativity across the community.

Facebook logoTwitter logoLinkedIn logoInstagram logoYoutube logo

FAQs

I am not sure if my solution is good enough?

We want anybody who has created a solution or have taken an existing solution and modified it in a way to suit your requirements. It does not matter how simple and low cost it may seem. As long as your solution enables you to do something and helps reduce an access or exclusion barrier. We want you to submit an application.

It could be as simple as an extension to a make up brush to help apply makeup because you can't reach your face.

It could be a simple device to help communicate if you are non-verbal.

It could be a placing a simple home made block down to get access into a garden or house.

Can I submit my solution into more than one category?

No. You can only submit your solution into one category. However you can submit as many different solutions as you like into one category.

If I am originally from one of the regions but do not live there anymore, can I still apply?

No. You must be a premenant resident living in one of our 6 qualifying countries in order to apply.

If I got shortlisted for the trip to Vienna. Does the paid trip include a carer?

Yes, the Essl Foundation will be covering the costs for you and a carer/PA if required.

Is there examples of other solutions that I can watch?

Yes. Check out this blog that includes examples of solutions but also top tips on recording your videos:

www.simplyopen.io/post/tips-for-recording-your-video-for-the-simply-open-awards

Can I win more than one category

No. You can only be a finalist in one category. However, you may receive in addition to being a finalist, a wildcard prize.

Still have questions? Email simplyopenawards@openinclusion.com