Ability Today is proud to announce that one of its Academy for Disabled Journalists (ADJ) students will join the press corps at this year’s Paralympics in Paris. The games run from 28th August – 8thSeptember and I, Lauren Lethbridge (28), will be there to cover all the action.
Ability Today founder Grant Logan, a wheelchair user who became disabled after a road accident, launched the ADJ in 2020. He said of the news: “We are thrilled to see Lauren embark on this remarkable journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her achievements exemplify the spirit of determination and excellence that we aim to foster in our students at the ADJ.”
Ability Today will be represented among the media at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash
When I discovered the ADJ in 2022, I’d said goodbye to a decorated gymnastics career, undergone life-changing medical events and experienced access barriers in the workplace. I was at a low point and unsure of my next move. From the first session, the Ability Today team made me feel supported, valued and optimistic about the future. My every accommodation need has been met and every aspiration encouraged. I’m so glad I applied.
Artistic Gymnastics Career: Lauren winning Disability British Champion in 2012, a title retained several times.
The ADJ have helped more than 90 students pursue their journalistic ambitions via uniquely delivered online courses, delivered in partnership with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Students enjoy access to industry leaders and events, and Alumni have gone on to work at media outlets including BBC Wales, ITV and Newsquest. Today marks the final chance to apply for this year’s Certificate in Foundation Journalism with the ADJ, an entry-level course I completed last year before progressing to the Diploma.
Lauren with her CFJ certificate and study partner Beni
As I continue through exam season and prepare to report on the world’s best disabled sports talent, I’m proud to reflect on my personal progress in the last two years. I’ve gained skills, renewed my confidence, and have been welcomed into an incredible community of disabled professionals, allies and activists.
At the 2023 Disability Expo: ADJ students Lauren Lethbridge, Yolanda Barker and Connor Law with inclusion expert Jacqueline Winstanley.
Ability Today are helping to transform the field, but Grant acknowledges that “we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible. The Journalism industry is tough to crack, and for journalists with disabilities, the barriers are even higher.’ Although anyone can become disabled in their lifetime and more than 20% of the British Population consider themselves disabled, there’s a continued lack of representation in the media.
We all house a voice worth hearing. Seizing the microphone, or the pen, can be as daunting as it is exciting. When I joined the ADJ, a dear friend said to me “You are what our nations need… courage and ambition sans frontiers!” Courage and ambition without borders. That’s what Ability Today is all about.
By Lauren Lethbridge – ADJ CFJ Alumni & Diploma Student