The council consists of seven NUJ members who have a disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act. It is elected at ADM, the NUJ's annual conference.

 

The cornerstone of the work of the Disabled Members Council is the implementation of the social model of disability, which states that disability is caused not so much by a person's impairment, but by the disadvantages or restrictions of activity caused by a society which takes little or no account of those impairments.

 

Disabled members in the media industry are overwhelmingly concentrated in the lowest paying, low status or freelance jobs. This makes it particularly difficult for them to get time off to attend meetings, or to afford the related costs which disability can bring. The work of the council allows disabled members to draw from each other's strengths in order to maximize their influence over policies and break down the barriers which prevent disabled members from realising their full potential in their union, place of work, and wider society. It also works to promote rights afforded by the Disability Discrimination Act and other legislation relating to disability interests, and this work is better informed by people with direct experience of disability or impairment.

 

The DMC recognises the need for true equality in our profession and its work involves monitoring relevant legislation and campaigning for improved access for disabled members. It also highlights to the union any instances of discrimination on the grounds of disability.

 

As part of the council's work it has produced a Disability Handbook and helps publish guides to terminology and other disability related issues. For details of other publications see the MORE INFO section on the left.

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