WASHINGTON, DC — The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has officially announced the eight recipients of its prestigious 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship, a national program designed to support the next generation of storytellers, creators, and professionals with disabilities entering the communications, media, and entertainment industries. Made possible through the generous and continued support of corporate partner NBCUniversal, the scholarship provides vital financial backing to undergraduate and graduate students who are dedicated to shifting cultural narratives and fostering authentic inclusion.
Named in honor of former United States Representative Tony Coelho—who is widely recognized as the primary author and legislative sponsor of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—the scholarship program has spent over a decade empowering students with disabilities to pursue impactful careers across various creative and professional media landscapes. Each of the eight selected students for the 2026 academic year has received $5,625 to help alleviate the financial burdens of higher education at their respective colleges and universities.
The recipients were chosen through a competitive selection process that evaluated their academic dedication, demonstrated knowledge, and profound passion for the media industry. Beyond their current studies, the awardees were selected based on their commitment to contributing to disability representation in media and their future aspirations to meaningfully engage and include the broader disability community throughout their professional journeys.
Reflecting on the milestone of the scholarship program, former U.S. Representative Tony Coelho emphasized the enduring importance of authentic representation and self-advocacy in public platforms.
"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. "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."
Over the past thirteen years, the initiative has served as a critical pipeline for diverse talent, helping to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically kept individuals with disabilities out of newsrooms, writer’s rooms, film sets, and corporate communications offices. Industry leaders and disability advocates alike have long pointed to the lack of authentic representation behind and in front of the camera as a primary driver of ableism and mischaracterization in popular culture.
Christine Liao, AAPD’s Vice President of Programs, highlighted the innovative ways this year’s cohort is approaching the field and challenging traditional media paradigms.
"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. "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 2026 recipients represent a diverse array of academic focuses and creative pursuits, utilizing mediums such as digital journalism, cinematic arts, audio engineering, and strategic communications to challenge outdated tropes and advocate for genuine inclusion. By supporting these students during their undergraduate and graduate studies, the AAPD and NBCUniversal aim to ensure that the future of media reflects the rich diversity of the human experience, incorporating voices that have too often been marginalized or stereotyped by mainstream culture.
Recognizing that financial support is only one piece of the puzzle in fostering long-term career success, the AAPD has announced that it will provide a series of targeted opportunities throughout the 2026–2027 school year designed to support the recipients’ academic growth and professional development. These initiatives are tailored to help bridge the gap between higher education and the professional workforce, offering networking opportunities, mentorship potential, and platforms to showcase their creative and scholarly work to industry leaders.
The announcement comes at a time of growing recognition within the entertainment and communications sectors regarding the economic and cultural value of authentic representation. Programs like the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship play a foundational role in cultivating a sustainable workforce of media professionals who not only understand the technical and creative aspects of their fields but also possess the lived experience and dedication necessary to drive institutional change.
Members of the public, academic institutions, and media professionals are encouraged to join in celebrating the achievements of this year’s scholars. Comprehensive biographies detailing the backgrounds, academic achievements, and career aspirations of all eight recipients of the 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship are now available for viewing on the official AAPD website, where interested individuals can also find further information regarding the history and impact of the scholarship program.
For further inquiries, interview requests, or additional information regarding the American Association of People with Disabilities and its ongoing programs, media representatives may contact Jess Davidson at [email protected] or by calling 202-975-0960.
