A free industry-led accelerator programme for disabled and neurodivergent creative talent, now in it’s 3rd year.

Launching our New York State pilot programme in October 2026!

Bring your ideas
to the table.

The creative industry needs you.

A smiling white woman with long brown hair stands between two men. She is looking at the man on the right and has a laptop open in front of her. All three appear to be engaged in conversation.

Despite 16% of the global population being disabled, only 1% of ads feature disabled people.*

It’s time for that to change.

More than ever the advertising, design and marketing industries need innovative problem solvers. Adapting to life every day in a world that isn’t built for you is creative problem-solving in action. 

We need creatives like you at the table. The industry needs your voice, your insights, your perspective, and your lived experience.

The Creative Equals Disabled Creatives programme is a FREE initiative for up to 20 disabled and neurodivergent creatives.

It’s designed to invigorate your creative career through tools, support, and a community that gets it. Brought to you by programme sponsor Diageo, with sessions run by world-class creative organisation D&AD. 

It’s time to take your place.

In partnership with…

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A young man with dark hair sits at a table with a laptop open in front of him, smiling and looking towards someone off-camera.
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Creative Equals Disabled Creatives programme

This is a FREE 15-day programme, split over 4 weeks (with a 5 day break in between) for up to 20 disabled and neurodivergent creative talent.

Join us and you’ll gather the tools, knowledge and support to develop your career in the creative field, and discover bridges into the creative industry.

The programme is open to disabled and neurodivergent creative talent who have previously worked or studied as a creative in the advertising, marketing or design industry. This could include roles such as art director, copywriter, content creator, graphic designer or similar. 

There are four sections to the programme:

  • Week 1 - Welcome Day and Creative Workshops
    We kick off with a dediceted welcome day - where you’ll meet your fellow participants and the Creative Equals team. The rest of the week is a mix of group learning and interactive workshops, all carefully designed to flex your creative thinking skills, foster collaborative dynamics, and highlight creative industry trends. These sessions are run online by the world-class educational organisation D&AD and don’t worry - you’ll be supported all the way through! 

  • Week 2 - Creative Exploration
    -
    Online sessions with breaks - Brief and Client Meeting)

    - Dedicated Group time with your mentors and team .

You’ll work on a live creative brief from Diageo - a fantastic opportunity to produce fresh, relevant work for your portfolio. Working either individually or as part of a small team you’ll have the support from a creative mentor from one of our Creative Agency Partners, to give you real-world feedback along the way.

  • Week 3 - Presentation Day

Presentation Day is where you’ll be able to present your ideas and/or designs back to Diageo in front of an audience of creative mentors and industry peers. It’s a chance to sharpen your presentation skills, make real connections, and highlight work you’re proud of.

~ we take a five day break to rest and reset ~

  • Week 4 - Employability support 

A series of workshops and inspiring talks designed to support your next career move. 

You’ll get practical training on how to make the most of LinkedIn, refresh and refine your portfolio, and navigate the ever-evolving job market. You’ll also hear directly from talent and career experts who know what it takes to stand out.

And the support doesn’t stop there. You’ll receive the option of ongoing mentorship for up to three months after the programme, giving you guidance and encouragement as you make your next move forward.

If you have questions (no matter how big or small), or we can do anything to make the programme more accessible to you, please email emma@creativeequals.org.

A large group of diverse individuals, including people of various genders, ethnicities, and are gathered in a bright, modern indoor space. Many are smiling and looking towards the camera. Two individuals are seated in wheelchairs in the front row.

The programme is designed to help you:

  • Accelerate your creative career, giving you and your voice a place at the table.

  • Confidently navigate today’s recruitment landscape, equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and insights you need to stand out to potential employers.

  • Bolster your portfolio on a working brief from the global mega-brand Diageo.

  • Boost your confidence to share your perspective and ask for what you need to make your best work. 

  • Explore how the creative industry is advancing with emerging technologies, and learn from industry experts.

  • Grow and learn alongside a talented community of disabled and neurodivergent creative talent, all working together, learning together, and championing each other’s progress.

Creative Equals' Disabled Creatives UK 2026 Video

Who is this programme for?

The Creative Equals’ Disabled Creatives Programme is open to disabled and neurodivergent creative talent. To apply, you must have previously worked or studied as a creative in the advertising, marketing or design industry.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a creative who is disabled, neurodivergent, or lives with a mental health or chronic health condition. 

  • Have previously studied in a creative field, or worked in the advertising, marketing and / or design industry (in roles such as art director, copywriter, content creator, graphic designer, or similar). 

  • Possess a proficient level of English to participate effectively, as the programme will be delivered in English.​

  • Be based in the US, and have full US working rights. 

  • Have necessary support in place to be able to attend the course virtually.

  • Have the computer equipment/internet access in place to be able to attend virtual course sessions effectively.

This programme is FREE to attend. However If you require financial support eg. travel or assistant costs during the programme, please let us know by selecting the relevant box on the application form. We'll review your request and do our best to assist you. We want everyone to have the opportunity to benefit from our programme, regardless of financial situation.

If you have questions (no matter how big or small), or we can do anything to make the programme more accessible to you, please email emma@creativeequals.org.

The experience had such a positive effect on my work that one of my freelance clients snatched me up as a permanent employee just a few months after the course. Overall, this has given me so much more confidence in regards to my employment!”

Creative Equals Community | Disabled Creatives participant

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“I had no idea how impactful joining
this programme would be
, and the
thing I least expected was for it to bring
me to a place of deep understanding about myself.”

Creative Equals Community | Disabled Creatives participant

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