Can disabled people work as journalists?

Working as a journalist can be exciting and challenging, with opportunities to report on anything from a local event to crime or government policy. But is it suitable for disabled people? While many news organisations have made great strides to improve access for those with disabilities, there are still some barriers.

Visibility

Like many industries, the media is embracing more disabled people who are visible on our screens, making it more inclusive and recognising that they are just as able to represent the world to viewers and readers as other, able-bodied journalists. This is being addressed by organisations like the BBC, which has a programme to boost the number of journalists with a disability. However the Academy for Disabled Journalists, which ran courses for disabled journalists, recently had to postpone its training because of a lack of funding.

Changing the narrative

Unfortunately, it is still the case that some editors and companies may not be able to see beyond someone’s disability or they think that they will have to make too many adjustments in order to be able to hire someone as a journalist. Being disabled is not a barrier in itself, but societal attitudes and working environments are. Thankfully, there are many training courses available to anyone who would like to become a journalist. If you are looking for sports journalism courses, for example, there are colleges such as //schoolofjournalism.co.uk/journalism-courses/sports/ who are welcoming to all.

Removing barriers

Working in a busy newsroom environment may be more challenging for a disabled journalist, but there are ways to make it easier. And disabled people need to be able to have important conversations about what they need in order to work effectively. That may be additional tools, but this is easily achievable and ensures everyone is treated equally.

Representation

The National Union of Journalists has a disabled members’ council which supports and advises on disability. It ensures that employers are aware of the issues disabled journalists face in their working life and helps to strengthen disabled workers’ rights and raise awareness.