Disabled Musicians' Rights and Support at Work

From workplace rights as a deaf, blind or disabled musician under the Equality Act, to practical tools for the music industry on how to support musicians with different access needs.

Last updated: 05 December 2023

A guide to workplace rights

The Social Model of Disability

What is Disability?

Mental Health and Discrimination

Pre-Employment Questions About Health

Reasonable Workplace Adjustments

Access to Work Grant

Access Riders for Musicians

Toolkit for the music industry

Use an Access Rider Template

Template along with guidance notes for use of disabled musicians, performers, artists, composers, educators, and technical staff in venues.

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Learn about what neurodiversity is and how it impacts musicians at work.

Get Your Voice Heard as a Disabled Musician

At the MU we are commited to represent all musicians. Our Disabled Members Network is a space for MU members who identity as disabled and/or neurodivergent to meet and discuss issues that impact their communities, shape MU policy, and change the music industry and the MU for the better. Find out more and join the network.

Find out more

Latest news & features

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

In this opinion piece, Peter Raistrick, London Regional Committee member and Young Members' Network activist, reflects on the responsibility of musicians and trade unionists to defend creative freedom, workers' rights and an inclusive society in the face of the growing threat of the far right.

Published: 29 June 2026

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.

Published: 02 April 2026

A red dartboard painted on a wooden block with the outline of a rocket launching upwards. Next to it are other wooden blocks with black targets.

Introducing our MU Future Leaders for 2026

The Musicians' Union announces the first cohort of members to take part in our MU Future Leaders activist development programme in 2026.

Published: 23 March 2026

A placard at a march against the far right.

Together Alliance March: Join the MU in the Fight Against the Far Right

Join us on Saturday 28 March for what’s expected to be the UK’s largest anti‑racist march. Find out how to join the MU delegation and explore our new Anti‑Far Right Hub to learn how far‑right movements operate and how to challenge them.

Published: 17 March 2026

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU

Get support as a disabled musician through MU membership

The MU advocates on behalf of disabled musicians to ensure their rights are upheld and strengthened. Musicians may also benefit from a reduced membership rate for disabled musicians in need for financial support.

Disabled musicians benefit from MU membership

Advice on your workplace rights as a disabled person
Guidance on working with neurodivergent musicians
Access musician-specific healthcare services
Managing mental health and wellbeing
Be part of community of musicians where disabled musicians connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join as a disabled musician

Get support as a disabled musician through MU membership

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