“When I applied to study for a Certificate in Foundation Journalism, I never imagined that a year later that I would be starting my new job!" Emily Davison, Trainee Journalist Newsquest
The Academy has opened doors for talented disabled journalists like Emily, but we need your help to keep it running. Please join us in empowering more disabled voices to be heard!
ABOUT US
The Academy for Disabled Journalists (ADJ) is an initiative under the umbrella of Ability Today CIC, a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to supporting disabled individuals through education and training.
Since 2018, we have provided journalism training tailored to meet the unique needs of disabled students, breaking down barriers to education and employment in the media industry. In 2020 we launched the Academy for Disabled Journalists in partnership with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and have worked closely with organisations such as Newsquest, NewsUK, Business Insider and the Disability in Journalism Forum.
We have student Alumni now working as journalists at major media outlets - the BBC, ITV, and Newsquest. We offer industry leading education and unparalleled opportunities for our students.
CURRENT CRISIS
As we approach the end of our four year National Lottery funding, during which time we have trained over 100 disabled students, we are moving into our next phase of ensuring we can continue with our great work .
The Academy of Disabled Journalists is at risk of closure due to financial constraints, which have forced us to delay the start of our Diploma Course. This setback threatens opportunities for disabled individuals aspiring to careers in journalism. Without immediate financial support, we risk being unable to continue the vital work that has already made a significant impact.
Running our Academies comes at a significant cost of £120,000 per year and this investment trains 30-40 talented students annually. On average, this means we can empower a new student for just £3,500 per year. While our initial fundraising target is set at £20,000, the reality is that we need far more to sustain and expand our impact.
Our call to action is to anyone interested in ensuring the voices of disabled people remain at the heart of journalism and media.
Please support us in ensuring the Academy continues to deliver skilled, diverse journalists to the industry for years to come!
Read our SOS Call in the Press Gazette
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to foster a community where disabled students can thrive, build confidence and achieve their full potential in the media industry. We have done this by creating a platform for students to learn in an accessible environment surrounded and supported by their peers, all while accessing a high-quality journalism education.
1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled, representation in the media needs to reflect this.
It is important that newsrooms understand about disability and its role in increasing the visibility of disabled people within the authenticity of storytelling. A diverse newsroom challenges stereotypes and breaks down barriers – building a stronger community.
I believe having a visible representation of disabled people in the media will help change perception, increase education and influence policy-making in government.
Having disabled journalists ensures a more accurate portrayal of society. Their inclusion helps the media better reflect the diverse communities it serves and strengthens the principle that freedom of speech is for all, not just the majority.
OUR IMPACT
Partnering with the NCTJ and creating this unique initiative has helped our student journalists prepare for the future, making education and training accessible to all. To date, we have trained over 100 students and counting. Our graduates have secured full-time positions at prestigious outlets, while freelancers contribute to Metro, Radio Times, Lifestyle Magazine, Cosmopolitan, The Guardian, PosAbility Magazine and more.
And more recently our student Lauren Lethbridge attended the Paralympics as an Accredited Journalist and official member of the Press Corps.
FULLY ACCESSIBLE LEARNING
Our courses are conducted entirely online, utilising platforms like Zoom with AI captions, live stenography, and other assistive technologies to accommodate physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
Educational Excellence - Our weekly classes, led by tutors from the NCTJ, are supplemented by masterclasses from esteemed journalists and commentators, including:
- Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News Lead
- Frank Gardner, BBC News Security Advisor
- Tom Jamison, Editor of Able Magazine
- Natasha Hirst, President of the National Union of Journalists
- Diane Ridley, Managing Editor ITV News
- Louise Hastings, Managing Editor Sky News
- Susannah Butter, Acting Deputy Editor The Sunday Times
These sessions provide students with industry insights, CV writing tips, pitch expectations, and career navigation strategies.
NCTJ Certification: Our students can earn the Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ) and the Diploma in Journalism, qualifications recognised and respected across the media industry.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - NELSON MANDELA
MORE TESTIMONIALS
Will Gore - Head of Partnerships - NCTJ
It’s been great to work with Grant, Ability Today and all the team at the Academy for Disabled Journalists. Their commitment and enthusiasm have made them brilliant partners for the NCTJ.
Mark Hudson – Head of Creative Diversity – News UK
The Ability Today team have an uncanny knack of unearthing fantastic talent and giving them the confidence to get to the next step on their journalism journey. The industry needs Ability Today more now than ever.
Toby Granville - Editorial Development Director at Newsquest
Ability Today’s fantastic academy is providing a much-needed pathway to journalism for disabled people. We recently hired a trainee through them, who has been an incredible asset to our newsroom.
Matt Bassett - CFJ Student & BBC Journalist
In 2022, I started my journalism journey after discovering a post by Ade Adepitan on X (Twitter) about a course run by Ability Today. Weekly Zoom sessions with an experienced lecturer gave me the confidence to apply for a BBC Journalism apprenticeship. Amazingly, I got the role, and I now work in the BBC Cardiff newsroom. I'm thankful to Ability Today for the opportunity to pursue a career in journalism.
Moses Chiira - CFJ Alumni & Journalist at Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation
I am so grateful and indebted to you. You have given me more than journalism skills; you have always believed in me in a way no one else ever has. Your faith has been a major driving force in my career.
Ella Brown, CFJ Alumni
Thanks to Ability Today, I got the chance to do work experience with The Sun. I learned how to write in their style and gained valuable industry insights. This was a special experience that I’ll never forget.
Bex Bryan - CFJ Student
The Academy for Disabled Journalists and NCTJ are absolutely amazing. I cannot explain how much it means to me knowing I have your support, non-judgment, and kindness.
Read about 'This UK outlet is creating new pathways for journalists with disabilities' by Lara Reffat, International Center for Journalists.
Our Achievements Have Not Gone Unrecognised
Winner 2022
• NCTJ Excellence Award for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Finalists 2023
• National Diversity Awards
• Tech4Good Awards
• The Inclusive Awards
Finalists 2024
• British Diversity Awards
Nominated For
- Digital DNA Awards/ Diversity Network Awards/ European Diversity Awards/ Tech Impact Awards
Why Your Support Matters
Supporting the Academy is more than just a financial contribution; it’s an investment in the future of the media industry. By partnering with us, you help to:
• Break Down Barriers: Ensure disabled individuals have access to the education and opportunities they need to succeed in journalism.
• Promote Inclusivity: Foster a media landscape that truly reflects society’s diversity.
• Empower Voices: Provide a platform for disabled journalists to share their stories and influence the broader narrative.
The Business Case for Sponsorship - Would Your Company Help?
By supporting our initiative, your organisation will:
• Enhance CSR: Show your commitment to social justice and equality by backing a cause that drives real change.
• Attract and Retain Talent: Engage a diverse talent pool, aligning with the values of today’s socially conscious workforce.
• Strengthen Brand Reputation: Position your brand as a leader in diversity and inclusion within the media industry.
Link to our Sponsorship Document
Your sponsorship will help us to:
• Sustain and Expand Our Programs: Secure the future of our unique Diploma and CFJ Courses, enabling us to reach more disabled individuals across the UK and beyond.
• Enhance Resources: Develop more accessible learning tools, ensuring our courses remain inclusive and effective.
• Offer Scholarships: Provide financial assistance to students who might not otherwise be able to afford these life-changing opportunities.
• Host Masterclasses and Workshops: Allow industry leaders to share their expertise, enriching the educational experience for our students.
Impact of Your Contribution
Your support will enable us to continue empowering disabled individuals to overcome barriers, achieve financial independence, and contribute meaningfully to the media industry. Our students’ successes are proof that with the right support, disabled individuals can achieve remarkable things.
Join Us in Creating a More Inclusive Future
We are calling on all organisations and industry leaders to step up, whether through sponsorship or by helping us raise awareness. Your support is not just a charitable act - it’s an investment in the future of journalism and a more inclusive society.
There are also opportunities to sponsor individual students, events and courses.
By donating to the Academy for Disabled Journalists, you are not just supporting an educational program; you are investing in the future of media, providing disabled students with the tools and confidence to succeed in journalism and beyond.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE MEDIA INDUSTRY