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, 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

Neil Patterson giving his speech to conference.

MU Motion on Benefit Application Process Passes at STUC Disabled Workers Conference

At the STUC Disabled Workers Conference, the MU called on the STUC to lobby the Government on streamlining the benefits application process and other modifications to make benefits more accessible to disabled workers.

Published: 05 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of group of people playing drums, therapy by music concept.

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

The MU invites members who work in health and wellbeing to discuss workplace challenges and opportunities, including how the MU could help.

Published: 15 November 2023

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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