A Celebration of Success: Kayleigh’s Journey Back Into Journalism With Ability Today

We are delighted to celebrate a milestone achievement for one of our Academy students, Kayleigh, who has recently passed her NCTJ Certificate in Foundation Journalism. This accomplishment marks not only an academic success but a deeply personal journey of rebuilding confidence, purpose, and professional identity.

Kayleigh’s path back into journalism hasn’t been straightforward, and her reflections capture the enormous impact that inclusive training and the right support can have:

“Ability Today has been life changing for me. Before joining the programme, I struggled to find a purpose and to find a way back into a career I loved. The thought of re-entering journalism felt out of reach – not because I lacked passion, but because I needed the right support, confidence, and pathway to make it possible.

What makes Ability Today truly exceptional is that Grant and Sarah, alongside the NCTJ, provide specialist training exclusively for disabled people. For the first time, I felt I was in a learning environment designed with my needs in mind – inclusive, understanding and genuinely focused on helping me succeed.

Through the training I gained practical skills that were directly relevant to modern journalism, but just as importantly, I rebuilt my belief in my own capabilities.

Thanks to Ability Today I have been able to step back into journalism with renewed purpose. Both Grant and Sarah did not just give me the tools – they gave me momentum, community, and the confidence to be in a profession that has always been part of who I am.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities they have opened for me and the positive impact it continues to have on my life. Thank you Grant and Sarah for always being there.”

Her words reflect exactly why the Academy for Disabled Journalists was created, to open doors that have been closed for far too long, and to provide disabled people with accessible, industry-relevant training that honours their talent and ambitions.

Founder Grant Logan shared his pride in Kayleigh’s achievement:

“Seeing students like Kayleigh achieve their qualifications and rediscover their confidence is the driving force behind Ability Today. We are immensely proud of everything she has accomplished. Her determination and passion embody the spirit of the Academy, and it’s a privilege to support her journey back into the career she loves.

We remain committed to building pathways, removing barriers and ensuring that disabled journalists can thrive within an industry that urgently needs their voices.”

Today, we not only celebrate Kayleigh’s success, but also the resilience, dedication and belief that carried her to this moment.

Well done, Kayleigh – we are incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to watch your future unfold. The next chapter is yours.

Kayleigh Northall – ADJ CFJ Alumni

Click here to read more from Kayleigh