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Ella Brown, a student at the Academy for Disabled Journalists (ADJ), has recently achieved a significant milestone in her journalism journey. Passing the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Certificate in Foundation Journalism, Ella not only secured a coveted work experience placement on the SEO Desk at The Sun but also had two articles credited – a remarkable accomplishment for any budding journalist.
Ella’s success is a testament to the transformative power of the ADJ, an initiative led by Ability Today that aims to empower disabled individuals in the media industry. In a world where representation matters, Ella’s achievement underscores the importance of providing platforms for diverse voices to be heard following other student alumni now working as full-time journalists at the BBC, ITV and Newsquest.
The Academy (ADJ), now in its fifth year of partnership with the NCTJ, offers unique accessible Diploma and entry-level (CFJ) online courses designed to equip disabled students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in journalism. Starting on May 30, 2024, the next Certificate in Foundation Journalism course consists of weekly 1.5-hour online sessions over nine months, providing a flexible distance-learning format supplemented by self-study and assessments tailored to accommodate the needs of disabled learners.
Accessibility lies at the heart of the ADJ’s mission. Traditional educational and workplace settings often overlook the unique requirements of disabled individuals. Working in partnership with the NCTJ, delivering unique courses, providing the necessary tools and support for every student to succeed. Online classes are customised to meet the diverse needs of disabled learners, creating a supportive environment where talent can thrive without barriers.
With over 90 individuals empowered to pursue successful media careers through the ADJ, success stories like Ella’s are not uncommon. Alumni of the program, such as Emily Davison, have gone on to work for Newsquest, Matt Bassett at the BBC, Jamie Green at ITV, and many students working as freelancers for prestigious publications, demonstrating the impact of Ability Today’s support in breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success for disabled individuals.
Founded by Grant Logan in 2014, himself disabled after a road accident, is inspired by the belief that disability should never hinder one’s ability to pursue their passions. Grant’s own experience serves as a driving force behind the ADJ’s mission to raise self-belief and confidence among disabled individuals, creating a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.
Ella’s journey is just one example of the talent waiting to be unlocked within the disabled community. As we celebrate her achievements, we invite interested applicants to join us on this transformative journey.
The Academy is about to embark on its next search for a talented cohort of disabled students to study the CFJ, students will need to submit a 300-word news article via the Ability Today website by May 16th for a chance to embark on their own path to success in journalism. Limited spots are available for the prestigious CFJ course, accredited by the NCTJ. Additionally, the ADJ will be offering its third Diploma level later this year, providing further opportunities for career advancement.
“We’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible,” says Grant Logan. “There’s still a massive lack of talent behind the scenes in newsrooms and production companies. The journalism industry is tough to crack, and for journalists with disabilities, the barriers are even higher.”
As we continue to forge working partnerships with leading organisations such as News UK, Business Insider, The NUJ, Newsquest and many more, the ADJ is committed to breaking down barriers and championing diversity in the media. Recently, two of our students were invited to participate in CNN’s diversity and inclusion open day, highlighting the progress we’ve made and the opportunities that lie ahead.
To learn more about Ability Today and the Academy for Disabled Journalists, visit www.abilitytoday.com.
For media inquiries, please contact: grant@abilitytoday.com
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About Ability Today:
Ability Today is a not-for-profit education and resource platform training disabled people and creating pathways to employment. Providing opportunities and the tools for disabled students to excel and compete on a level playing field. Ability Today is the trade name for Disability Today CIC and is a social enterprise run solely for the benefit of disabled people.
The ‘Roving Reporter’ program started in 2018 with our group of disabled volunteers going out and reporting on the world around them. As we watched their skills develop we reached out to the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). In 2020 we launched our 1st Academy for Disabled Journalists making education and training accessible to all.
Working and studying from home has revolutionised the ability for disabled people to be active, included, and seek new opportunities. Online tools such as Zoom, online stenography, AI Captions, Notetakers and OBS software have allowed us to hold our classes online and create a unique learning experience for our disabled students. Students can work around their disabilities and be active members in a class of their peers.
Grant Logan, Ability Today’s inspirational founder, who himself has a spinal cord injury he sustained in a road accident 20 years ago, originally named his outlet ‘Disability Today’ before rebranding to Ability Today in 2019. “Our mission is to spotlight what people with disabilities can do, rather than what they can’t,” said Logan. “We are lighting up new paths and ensuring that journalism becomes an open avenue for disabled individuals to shine.”
Grant has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most influential disabled individuals for three consecutive years by the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100. In 2022 Ability Today won the NCTJ’s Excellence Award for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Journalism, 2023 Finalists in the National Diversity Awards, Tech4Good Awards, Inclusive Awards, and 2024 Finalists in the British Diversity Awards.
Ability Today’s accolades reflect its unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that disabled people are at the forefront of every initiative and opportunity in media and journalism.
More information on the Academy, the CFJ and how to apply can be found here:
Apply for Certificate in Foundation Journalism Course starting 30th May 2024
For further information, visit:
For media inquiries, please contact: grant@abilitytoday.com
