The National Council for the Training of Journalists has launched an introductory journalism course for aspiring journalists with disabilities.

Thirteen students with varying disabilities have enrolled on the course, which will deliver the NCTJ’s level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism qualification.

It is being run with Ability Today, a social enterprise and online platform which provides news and resources to help support people with disabilities.

The course will be delivered over a period of six to twenty-four months, depending on the individual requirements of students, and will be held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Learners on the course hold their first session

Will Gore, head of partnerships and projects at the NCTJ, said: “It is fantastic to see our partnership with Ability Today off to such a strong start.

“I’m looking forward to seeing prospective journalists learn and hone new skills as the course progresses.

“Last year we worked with Nike and PA Training to build a CFJ course focussed on women’s sports journalism.

“That demonstrated to us the potential of this particular qualification to be tailored to specific subject areas or for cohorts with particular interests or needs.

“We’re convinced our work with Ability Today on another new CFJ pathway will be equally successful. What’s more, given the NCTJ’s track record on promoting diversity in journalism, this project is a welcome addition to our efforts at making journalism as accessible as possible.”

Grant Logan, founder of Ability Today, added: “In 2019 we changed our name from Disability Today as we felt it was time to shout about what we can do, not what we can’t.

“We have been developing our roving reporter program now for a couple of years, sending our teams out to cover events and create their own stories, and at the beginning of 2020 it felt right to launch our academy for disabled journalists.

“Giving our students the skills and ability to go out and work in the mainstream media. Hopefully creating positive role models and pathways to employment.”