How our courses are giving disabled people a fresh start

We take equal opportunities very seriously at CTJT. And we don�t pay lip service to it. Our Equal Opportunities Policy (below) is backed up with results.

Our Equal Opportunities Policy

Our aim is to be an inclusive learning provider. We pride ourselves on giving people who may have felt excluded from other institutions a chance to break into writing and journalism. Our only criteria for accepting students is whether they are suited to the course. With this in mind, our website:

• Makes it clear where a previous knowledge of the subject is required.
• Stresses that a good knowledge of English is required.
• Invites people to email us to discuss their suitability before enrolling.

Our equal opportunity policy is that:

All students will be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect and will not be discriminated against on the basis of their sex, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (within current legislation), disability, marital status, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs on matters such as religion and politics.

Richard Matthews - Newspaper Journalism Course

I am Richard Matthews, 56 years old and disabled.

When I first enquired about journalism training with Cleland Thom at CTJT, I didn't really know what the course-work would entail.

Cleland satisfied my fears by assuring me that 'real time' assignments were voluntary, and that it is possible to pass the National Council for the Training of Journalists exams without going outdoors.

I began in the belief that I could do everything from my computer desk, although it did not take long before I was completely enthralled with the course material.

I saw that venturing out, even with my mobility problems, not only added to the course, it was downright interesting.

Now I look forward to doing 'live' work.

I am proud of my new status, but I owe it all to Cleland Thom.

His advice, combined with his experience, made me feel bold enough to start the course.

His continuing support is beyond comparison.

I feel as though I am his only student considering the amount of time he dedicates to answering my concerns and questions.

I highly recommend the course to anybody.

Jackie Cairns - Investigative Journalism Course

I decided to enrol on the Investigative Journalism course in August 2005 at a time when I was looking to enhance my writing skills, and further my knowledge in the journalism field.

Before I could start, however, I had to find out how accessible the course would be.

I am a totally blind person, and needed to be sure that the materials would be produced in a format to suit my requirements.

My experience in every respect couldn't have been better.

Like all the courses, the Investigative Journalism modules were delivered as email attachments in the form of Microsoft Word documents.

The instructions on how to carry out the various exercises were easy to follow.

They provided an in-depth wealth of useful information, together with a friendly offer of help whenever I needed it.

I couldn�t recommend CTJT�s courses highly enough.

So much so that I went on to do Magazine Journalism and Web Communication!

The information provided for each course is thorough, up-to-date and so useful in whatever sphere you choose.

But the best thing about all the courses is the support you receive at the end of the phone or via email.

It is friendly, encouraging and immediate.