Channel 4's search for disabled presenters is positive
This week, Channel 4 began its search for disabled presenters for their coverage of the Paralympics and have discussed the increased profile of their disabled onscreen talent over the past year. I’m one of them, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis not long after I joined Channel 4 News as technology correspondent.
Even though most of the time, our viewers will have no idea of my disability, how best to handle it on screen and off has been a gradual and sometimes difficult learning process. I imagine similar situations have occurred for most disabled presenters.
As I was diagnosed just a few months into my stint on Channel 4 News, ITN (which makes Channel 4 News) responded with caution. At first they weren’t sure if I should write about my diagnosis and so in many ways it was quite hidden.
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About The Author
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is founder of Support for Special Needs and has been a regular contributor since its inception in May 2010. A mom to two kids with special needs, she didn't want other parents to feel what is the often isolating world of raising a child (or two!) with disabilities. Her kids had kidney transplants at the age of eight and will need liver transplants in the future as a result of ARPKD/CHF. They both have vision disorders and learning disabilities.