WASHINGTON, DC — The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has officially announced the eight outstanding undergraduate and graduate students chosen as recipients of the 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. Named in honor of former United States Representative Tony Coelho—who served as the primary author and sponsor of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—the prestigious scholarship program is designed to support students with disabilities who are pursuing future careers in the communications, media, and entertainment industries. Made possible through the generous and sustained support of media giant NBCUniversal, the scholarship continues its vital mission of fostering authentic inclusion and representation within creative and journalistic fields.
For over a decade, the initiative has served as a critical stepping stone for aspiring professionals who bring lived experiences of disability to industries that have historically lacked adequate or accurate representation. Each of the eight selected scholars for the 2026 cohort will receive an award of $5,625 to help alleviate the financial burdens of higher education and cover the cost of attendance at their respective colleges or universities. The recipients were meticulously chosen from a competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated knowledge, academic commitment, and genuine passion for shaping the future of the media industry.
Former U.S. Representative Tony Coelho emphasized the enduring importance of authentic representation and systemic inclusion when reflecting on the announcement of this year’s cohort. For the disability community, the foundational advocacy mantra “Nothing About Us Without Us” remains a guiding principle that must be actively applied across all sectors of society, including the spaces where cultural narratives are produced, broadcast, and consumed.
“For the mantra ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ to mean anything, people with disabilities must be included in spaces where our stories are heard and shared,” said former United States Representative Tony Coelho, reflecting on the milestone year. “For 13 years, the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship has given students with disabilities the opportunity to advance their education toward a career in communications, media, or entertainment. I am very excited for this year’s winners and honored to have this award named after me.”
The cultural and societal impact of the scholarship program extends far beyond individual financial assistance. As media platforms continue to evolve and expand across digital, cinematic, and broadcast landscapes, the narratives produced by creators with disabilities play a transformative role in shifting public perception, breaking down persistent stereotypes, and combating systemic ableism in popular culture. Christine Liao, the Vice President of Programs at AAPD, highlighted the diverse academic disciplines and creative mediums represented by the 2026 awardees, noting how their ongoing work directly challenges conventional industry standards and redefines how disability is portrayed in the public sphere.
“This year’s Tony Coelho Media Scholarship recipients demonstrate how media can be leveraged to improve disability representation,” said Christine Liao, AAPD’s Vice President of Programs, elaborating on the profound impact of the students’ work. “Through a variety of disciplines, including communications, film, and music, this year’s awardees are making a real impact in transforming narratives about disability and combating ableism in popular culture.”
The rigorous selection process for the 2026 scholarship evaluated candidates not only on their past academic achievements and creative contributions to disability visibility within media, but also on their forward-looking aspirations. The evaluation committee placed a strong emphasis on each applicant’s dedication to meaningfully including and actively engaging the broader disability community throughout their professional communications and media careers.
Recognizing that financial support is only one component of long-term professional success, AAPD has structured the scholarship program to provide comprehensive backing beyond the initial monetary award. Throughout the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year, the organization will offer several targeted opportunities designed to support the recipients’ continued academic growth, professional networking, and long-term career development within their chosen industries. These enrichment opportunities aim to bridge the gap between higher education and professional employment, ensuring that talented individuals with disabilities are equipped to secure leadership and creative roles where they can influence institutional practices from within.
As the media landscape continues to grapple with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, programs like the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship provide an essential pipeline of talent that challenges the status quo. By investing in the education and professional ambitions of students with disabilities, AAPD and NBCUniversal are helping to build a more inclusive media ecosystem—one where diverse stories are told authentically by the very people who live them.
The American Association of People with Disabilities encourages members of the public, media professionals, and academic communities to join in congratulating the 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship recipients. Detailed biographies of each scholar, along with comprehensive information regarding the application process, eligibility requirements, and the broader history of the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship, are available to the public on the official AAPD website.
