Media Training

We invite you to participate in ongoing ABLE TO CHOOSE´s workshops, entitled Disability in the News: A Field Guide for Media Professionals, led by Hew Stith, a veteran copy editor for Media General.

As journalists and other media professionals increasingly report on disability-related topics it has become evident that there is often disconnect between the general public and people with disabilities, as well as the way we report on and talk about disabilities in the news.

To address this issue, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities has embarked on a two-year public awareness campaign called Able to Choose. While the goal of this campaign is to raise awareness of people with disabilities living successfully in the community, it is also committed to working closely with journalists to understand disability facts, etiquette, and correct terminology in order to improve media coverage.

This media training is provided free of charge and all participants will receive a style guide and suggestions for correct terminology and key issues impacting people with disabilities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Barbara Dodd, Marketing and Strategic Planning Manager, 804-786-9380 or Barbara.Dodd@VBPD.virginia.gov