Disabled creatives are some of the most creative people in the world. However, the advertising, design and creative industries are missing out on this talent because of a lack of accessibility.

At a time when the creative industries need the very best creative problem solvers, it is a disconnect which cannot continue. Every single day disabled creatives adapt to life in a world that isn’t built for accessibility;  creative problem-solving in action.

To better connect the industry with some of the most creative people in the world, Creative Equals is launching the second year of its scheme to offer free training to Disabled Creatives. The programme is sponsored by Diageo and the sessions will be run by world-class creative organisation, D&AD.

The free 15-day programme (split over 4 weeks) will be available to up to 20 disabled and neurodivergent creatives from across the UK. The programme will provide the tools, knowledge and support to develop individuals in creative fields and build bridges into the creative industry.

The programme is open to disabled and neurodivergent talent who've previously worked or studied as a creative (art director, copywriter, content creator or designer or very similar role) in the advertising, marketing or design industry. The Creative Equals team is available to support applicants with the process and is focused on driving inclusion. The scheme is also open to those with chronic illness and rare diseases.

DisabledCreatives, launched last year and is the first open programme in the UK to target support for disabled talent in the industry. It is an expansion of Creative Equals’ CreativeComeback initiative, which since 2019 has supported more than 140 people with 85% of participants going on to find employment.

“There are more than 14.6 million disabled people in the UK - many of whom live with an invisible disability - and more than one in five of us will be affected by disability at some point in our lives. And yet, there is chronic underinvestment in disabled talent,” explained Ali Hanan, founder and CEO of Creative Equals.

She continued: “Shutting out disabled people from the industry is hugely consequential for both the individual and creative output. Quite frankly, the industry has not moved fast enough.”

Accessibility is high on the agenda for progressive brands. Earlier this year In a media first, Guinness and ITV made sporting history by trialling live descriptive audio commentary for the Guinness Six Nations.

The move is part of an ongoing drive to make the Guinness Six Nations 2024 Championship the most inclusive yet, supported by Creative Equals.

To apply for the scheme, please click here.