Last Updated on 17/05/2024 by Emma Purcell
Ability Today‘s Academy For Disabled Journalists (ADJ) launches its fifth year of the Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ) course, delivered in partnership with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This is the entry-level qualification creating a great opportunity to learn new skills and start from the ground up on a pathway to a new career.
The application deadline has been extended until Tuesday 21st May 2024
Are you a disabled person looking for a new career? Are you passionate about writing, could journalism be your next journey?
The ADJ are looking for the next cohort of motivated disabled people to study this unique accessible online course, tailored to meet the diverse needs of each individual. The course is subsidised by the National Lottery and limited places are available.
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 a group of disabled volunteers going out and reporting on the world around them. As their skills developed, Ability Today reached out to the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). In 2020 it launched the first Academy for Disabled Journalists, making education and training accessible to all.
Working and studying from home has revolutionised the ability of 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 the team to hold classes online and create a unique learning experience for its 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 Grant. “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.
From classroom to headlines: Ella Brown’s journey breaks boundaries for disabled journalists
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.
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.
“When I applied to study for a Certificate in Foundation Journalism I never imagined that a year later I would be starting my new job.” ~ Emily Davison – Trainee Journalist, Newsquest.
Ella’s journey is just one example of the talent waiting to be unlocked within the disabled community. As the ADJ celebrates her achievements, it is inviting interested applicants to join them on this transformative journey.
“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 the ADJ continues 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 its students were invited to participate in CNN’s diversity and inclusion open day, highlighting the progress it has made and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Apply for the Academy For Disabled Journalists Course 2024
The ADJ 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 Tuesday 21st May 2024 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.
To learn more about Ability Today and apply for the Academy for Disabled Journalists, visit www.abilitytoday.com.
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