On Friday 29 March, I had the privilege of attending the Disability Journalism Forum at Sky for the first time, alongside my colleague Roz McKenzie. The event was not only eye-opening but incredibly inspiring. It brought together a diverse group of journalists, advocates, and industry professionals, all passionate about driving forward better representation and accessibility within the media.
The forum was originally set up to address the significant underrepresentation of disabled people in journalism and to create a space where their voices, challenges, and achievements could be recognised and heard. It aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and empower disabled journalists and allies to drive meaningful change across the industry.
The forum highlighted the real-life experiences of disabled journalists and the barriers they continue to face in newsrooms across the UK. From physical accessibility to unconscious bias, the discussions were honest, thought-provoking, and deeply motivating. Hearing these stories firsthand was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive storytelling and the need to challenge outdated practices within the industry. Inclusive storytelling doesn’t just benefit disabled audiences – it enriches journalism as a whole, bringing depth, authenticity, and diversity of thought that better serves everyone.
The speakers were truly the highlight of the day. I was particularly moved by the honesty and resilience of those who shared their personal journeys, navigating the media world while pushing for change. One speaker spoke about the emotional toll of constantly advocating for themselves in a space that often overlooks difference, and it struck a chord with me. Another offered a hopeful vision of what the future of journalism could look like when inclusivity isn’t an afterthought, but a standard.
As the SEN Specialist at PA Media Academy, this event resonated deeply with the work I do, as, supporting trainees and early-career journalists with additional needs is something I’m incredibly passionate about. The forum gave me fresh insights and practical ideas to help create a more supportive and accessible environment for all.
It was also a great opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from some of the most authentic voices in journalism today. I left the event feeling inspired, empowered, and more committed than ever to helping break down barriers and build a media landscape that reflects and includes everyone. Huge thanks to Sky for hosting such a meaningful and important event.
