SNA Support & Inspire Awards 2026

Celebrating the people who make inclusion possible.

Every day, across Ireland, thousands of Special Needs Assistants quietly change lives.

They provide reassurance when anxiety takes over.
They celebrate milestones others might never see.
They build confidence.
They create belonging.
They advocate.
They encourage.

Yet their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

The National SNA Support & Inspire Awards were created to celebrate these extraordinary individuals whose kindness, dedication and commitment leave a lasting impression on students, families, schools and communities across Ireland.

These awards aren't about who has worked the longest or who has collected the most qualifications.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Any Special Needs Assistant currently working in Ireland in:

✔ Primary Schools

✔ Secondary Schools

✔ Special Schools

✔ ETB Schools

✔ Community Schools

✔ Private Schools

✔ Independent Schools

Key Dates

What Makes an Outstanding Nomination?

Our judging panel will be looking beyond job titles. We want to hear the stories that demonstrate the genuine difference an SNA has made in the lives of students, families, colleagues and school communities.

The strongest nominations will include examples of:

Compassion

How have they made students feel safe, understood and valued?

Inclusion

How have they created opportunities for every student to participate and belong?

Going Above & Beyond

Tell us about the everyday moments that show exceptional care and commitment.

Advocacy

How have they supported students, families or colleagues to achieve positive outcomes?

Lasting Impact

How has this person's dedication made a meaningful difference?

Tips for Writing a Great Nomination

We encourage you to:

✔ Share real-life stories.

✔ Include specific examples.

✔ Explain what makes this SNA exceptional.

✔ Write from the heart.

✔ Tell us about the difference they've made.

Remember…
You don't need to be a professional writer.
Often it's the small, everyday moments that leave the biggest impression.

Meet Our Independent Judging Panel

We are honoured to have an experienced and independent panel representing education, inclusion, occupational therapy and autism advocacy.

Oneesa McWeeney

Founder | SNA Support & Inspire

Founder of SNA Support & Inspire and creator of the National SNA Support & Inspire Awards. Oneesa is a practising Special Needs Assistant and passionate advocate for recognising the incredible contribution SNAs make in schools across Ireland.

Adam Harris

Founder & CEO | AsIAm

Adam Harris is Ireland's leading autism advocate and Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. His work has transformed awareness, inclusion and acceptance of autistic people throughout Ireland.

Áine Curtin

Occupational Therapy Assistant | Everyday OT Ireland

Áine is an Occupational Therapy Assistant and founder of Everyday OT Ireland. She is passionate about practical strategies that support children and young people to thrive in their everyday environments.

Rachel O'Connor

Deputy Director | NAPD

Rachel O'Connor is Deputy Director at the National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals, and has extensive experience leading national education initiatives that empower young people and strengthen partnerships between education and industry.

Samantha O'Flanagan

Special Needs Assistant | Advocate | Educator

Samantha is a passionate Special Needs Assistant, educator and advocate who has supported and inspired countless SNAs through training, mentoring and sharing best practice across Ireland.

Proudly Supported By

The National SNA Support & Inspire Awards are made possible thanks to the generosity of organisations and businesses that believe in recognising the incredible work of Special Needs Assistants across Ireland.

Made possible through the generosity of the following companies:

Dunnes Stores

National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals

Lough Rynn Castle & Gardens

Audrey Hamilton

Dylan Oaks

Elephant Living

Barry's Tea

Finding Charlie's Voice

Additional sponsors will be announced soon.