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 in lockdown, initially studying for the Certificate in Foundation Journalism before progressing to the Diploma. Completing the qualification while managing the challenges of her disability has required determination, perseverance and a great deal of hard work.
Reflecting on her achievement, Victoria said:
“Having started my journey with the Academy for Disabled Journalists during lockdown, it feels amazing to have finally completed my NCTJ Diploma.
“The Academy allowed me to study around my disability. I was surrounded by people who understood what having a bad day meant, and I could work at my own pace without pressure.
“Thank you to Grant, Sarah and everyone at the Academy for all your help and support over the past 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 one of the journalists reporting from home as part of 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 explore a broader range of disability-related topics requested by her readers and give a greater voice to the issues that matter to them.
Victoria’s work has appeared in several publications, including a feature in Motability’s Lifestyle magazine. She is also a member of the magazine’s readership panel. More recently, she achieved another important milestone by becoming a columnist with Newsquest Media Group.
Grant Logan, founder of the Academy, said:
“Fantastic and so well deserved! Huge congratulations to Victoria.
“We have watched Victoria progress from the CFJ to completing her NCTJ Diploma, developing her confidence and finding her 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 fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved.
“Victoria has worked incredibly hard, continued through the more difficult periods and created new opportunities through her own determination. We are all extremely proud of her.”
Speaking about the support she received from the Academy, Victoria added:
“The Academy’s courses are first class and give me the flexibility to study at home in my pyjamas, if I wish and the freedom to work 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 alongside 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 following the next stage of your journalism career.