We are delighted to congratulate Victoria Scholes on completing her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism with the Academy for Disabled Journalists.

Victoria began her journey with the Academy during lockdown, initially studying for the Certificate in Foundation Journalism before progressing to the Diploma. Completing the qualification alongside the challenges of living with a disability has taken determination, perseverance and a great deal of hard work.

“Having started my journey with the Academy for Disabled Journalists during lockdown, it feels like an amazing achievement to have finally completed my NCTJ Diploma,” said Victoria.

“The Academy allowed me to study around my disability alongside people who understood what having a bad day meant. I could go at my own pace without pressure.

“Thank you to Grant, Sarah and everyone at the Academy for all your help and support over the last few years. It has taken a while, but I got there eventually. It has been a long journey, and I am proud of how far I have come and how much I have grown along the way.”

Throughout her time with the Academy, Victoria has covered a wide range of stories for Ability Today. She was also part of the team of journalists reporting from the UK during the Academy’s coverage of the Paris Paralympic Games and remains an active member of the Disability Journalism Forum.

As part of her studies, Victoria launched her blog, Legally Powered, which initially focused on accessibility issues within the legal system. The blog quickly expanded, enabling her to cover a broader range of disability-related topics requested by her readers and to give a greater voice to the issues that matter to them.

Victoria’s work has since appeared in several publications, including a feature in Motability’s Lifestyle Magazine. She is also a member of the magazine’s readership panel. Most recently, she achieved another important milestone by becoming a columnist for Newsquest Media Group.

Grant Logan, founder of the Academy, said:

“Fantastic and so well deserved – huge congratulations to Victoria! We have watched her progress from the CFJ through to completing her NCTJ Diploma, developing her confidence and finding her own voice as a journalist along the way.

“Victoria has contributed so much to Ability Today, covering a wide range of stories and joining our Paralympic reporting team. We were particularly proud when she became a Newsquest columnist. It was a brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved.

“Victoria’s journey shows the difference that accessible training, flexibility and the right support can make. She has worked incredibly hard, kept going through the more difficult periods and created opportunities through her own determination. We are all extremely proud of her.”

Reflecting on her experience with the Academy, Victoria added:

“The courses with the Academy are first class and give me the flexibility to study at home – in my pyjamas if I wish – and the freedom to study in my own time. The tutor support is amazing, and the support from Grant, Sarah and everyone else is fantastic.

“Ability Today has been so supportive of my needs, and studying with a group of people who understood me helped me to succeed. If you are interested in journalism and have a disability, contact Ability Today. They will give you the tools and support to achieve your goals.”

Congratulations, Victoria. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your journalism takes you next.