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

Two young female musicians sat outside, one playing acoustic guitar.

MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026

The Musicians’ Union will take part in Launchpad Conference 2026 on Friday 27 March at Leeds School of Arts, bringing industry insight, a panel on cultural diversity in music, and one-to-one advice sessions for musicians across the North of England.

Published: 10 March 2026

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

A sign on a brick wall on the outside of a building that says

Call for Research Participants: Disabled Musicians’ Access to Glasgow Venues

A new PhD study is seeking participants to help explore disabled musicians’ access to live music venues in UNESCO City of Music Glasgow.

Published: 04 February 2026

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, and activists and musicians Maddie Morris, Stu and Keith Xander at the 2025 panel event.

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

Liverpool Sound City has announced it will introduce Access Riders for all artists and speakers at its 2026 festival, following an MU-led disability access panel and ongoing collaboration with the Union.

Published: 27 January 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 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

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches