Two people in wheelchairs playing adaptive volleyball on the village green at Naidex 2025

Naidex 2026: What to expect from the UK’s leading event for disability, accessibility, and independent living

 

For over 50 years, Naidex has been bringing together innovators, care professionals, and people with lived experience to connect, share knowledge and explore life-changing products and services.

Whether you’re living with a disability, caring for someone who is, or working to make the world more inclusive, this is where it all comes together.

Here’s a taste of what to expect from the 2026 event.


Location, dates and timings

Naidex will take place at the Birmingham NEC on March 25-26. The show will open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm on both days.


Who’s attending?

Naidex has a diverse audience which falls into three distinct groups:

The public: People with lived experience of disability and those caring for them.

Trade: Manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of mobility and health solutions.

Professionals: Hundreds of leading experts, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, neuro-rehabilitation specialists, accessibility managers, diversity, equity & inclusion managers and health & wellbeing professionals.


Platform for employers

Running alongside Naidex, Business without Barriers is a key summit and careers fair dedicated to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the workplace. Its core mission is clear: to bring together employers, job seekers, and service providers to create equal work opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces.


Naidex Junior

New for 2026, Naidex Junior a dedicated space focused entirely on the needs of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.

The event offers a free-to-access hub designed to connect families, carers, healthcare professionals, and educators with the latest paediatric equipment, essential services, and invaluable support.


Unique features

Alongside a packed conference programme, visitors will have access to a number of show features, including:

  • Disabled People’s Conversation Corner: An open and welcoming space for honest conversations led by disabled voices

  • Mobility Test Track: This enables visitors to compare scooters, powerchairs, and mobility equipment across ramps, gradients, and varied surfaces

  • Adaptive Climbing Wall: This feature welcomes climbers of all abilities to reach new heights at Naidex, supported by specialists in accessible adventure

  • Children’s Play Area: Offering inclusive activities, creative play, and a safe space to relax.

  • Workshops, training and immersive experiences: Inspiring sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and understanding

  • Village Green: Hosting live performances, interactive sessions, and inclusive activities that celebrate creativity, expression, and connection

Conference programme

One of the biggest highlights of Naidex is its inspiring conference programme, featuring powerful stories from those with lived experience and expert insights shaping the future of accessibility, disability, and independent living.

The Keynote Theatre, Accessibility Hub and Naidex Junior Theatre will bring together leading voices, advocates, and innovators for thought-provoking sessions across both days.

Key topics will include:

  • How SEND students are using sports to break down barriers, develop skills, and reshape perceptions of ability
  • How cutting edge neurotechnology can change the course of children’s rehabilitation
  • Adjusting your life from non-disabled to disabled
  • Creating inclusive spaces in schools for disabled students
  • Embracing your disability to achieve your biggest aspirations
  • Digital technology driving inclusion and innovation
  • Creating opportunities to access green spaces
  • Creating a resilient mindset from childhood

And much, much more!

Speaker spotlight

Influential speakers at Naidex 2026 include:

  • Ellie Goldstein, a model, actor and influencer with Down Syndrome
  • Jodie Ounsley, TV personality and advocate for the deaf community
  • Richard Whitehead MBE, Paralympic Gold Medallist and founder of the Richard Whitehead Foundation
  • Phil Eaglesham, Founder and CEO, Conquering Horizons
  • Thomas Mills, Regional Development Officer, the Dwarf Sports Association UK
  • Jay Howard, award-winning disability advocate and TV personality
  • Jessica Schibli, Head of Creative Diversity, BBC
  • Celia Chartres-Aris, government special advisor, disability campaigner and lobbyist

And many, many more!

Exhibitor village

Over 200 expert companies and suppliers will present their innovative equipment and services across the show floor. Check out this year’s line-up here.

Plan your visit

Now you know what expect from Naidex, why not plan your visit?

Click here for all the information you’ll need to make the most of your time at the show, from transport and nearby hotels to passes and accessibility arrangements.