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

The outside of the Government's Department for Work and Pensions in London.

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

The UK Government has announced plans for major welfare reforms, proposing cuts to disability benefits including personal independence payments (PIP).

Published: 18 March 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

A woman in a red jacket writing on post-it notes on a board at work.

Apply to be the Next Co-Chair of Trustees for Attitude is Everything

Attitude is Everything is looking for a Co-Chair of Trustees to support them in their next chapter. Find out more about this voluntary role and how to apply.

Published: 16 January 2025

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

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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