ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Best Special Needs Solution
This category recognizes platforms that support students with special educational needs or disabilities through inclusive and accessible design.
We’re continuing our series exploring each category in the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, taking a closer look at what the judges expect and what makes a strong submission.
This edition focuses on Best Special Needs Solution, a category celebrating products or platforms designed to meaningfully support students with special educational needs or disabilities. Entries should demonstrate inclusive design, accessibility, and measurable positive outcomes for learners who face additional barriers.
What this category covers
This category highlights solutions developed to support learners with a wide range of special educational needs or disabilities across education settings. Eligible entries include platforms used in schools, colleges, universities, and specialist provision.
Entries may include solutions for:
accessibility and inclusive learning design
assistive technologies and adaptive tools
communication and language support
sensory regulation and wellbeing
assessment, monitoring, and individualized learning plans
AI-supported personalization for diverse needs
teacher, caregiver, or specialist support tools
integration with wider education or care systems
Solutions must have been launched or significantly updated within the past twelve months and demonstrate meaningful use with learners who require additional support.
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the solution delivers genuine improvements for learners with special educational needs or disabilities.
Entries should address:
the specific barriers or needs the solution is designed to support
how accessibility, inclusion, and usability are embedded in design
evidence of positive outcomes such as engagement, independence, or progress
how the solution supports educators, specialists, or families
measurable impact data and user feedback
clarity on safeguarding, privacy, and responsible data use
Strong submissions will show that inclusive design leads to real, measurable benefits for learners.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to explain how research, lived experience, or specialist input informed the design of the solution. Judges value evidence that learners and practitioners were involved in development.
Submissions will be strengthened by:
clear outcome data linked to learner progress or engagement
case studies or feedback from educators, specialists, or families
evidence of adaptability across needs, ages, or settings
explanation of how accessibility standards or best practices are applied
Demonstrating long-term impact and sustainability will further support the submission.
Why enter this category
Best Special Needs Solution offers organizations an opportunity to highlight inclusive innovation that supports learners facing additional challenges. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching educators, specialists, institutions, and policymakers.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across inclusion, accessibility, education, and EdTech. Many entrants find the submission process valuable for articulating impact and strengthening evidence.
How to enter
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the link below. The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 2 April 2026, and winners will be revealed on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Entry costs £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries. Payment can be made via our website. Once your entry form and payment have been received, confirmation will be sent by email.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson at emmacate@edtechinnovationhub.com
