Disabled Writing Group | Online peer-to-peer community for those who are disabled and neurodivergent
As disabled writers, we often hear the view that writers should be independent and self-reliant, solving issues with writing through increased self-motivation, organisation and effort. This ableist and individualistic ideology encourages the belief that barriers to writing exist only in the psyche and fails to address the significant, complex, barriers disabled writers face. It becomes essential to find a writing community that centers disabled experience so we can redesign the meaning and practice of writing to suite us.
These themed writing groups provide a dedicated space for you to make progress on your writing and develop personal connections with other writers. Discuss the world of writing, share things about your project, and socialise with those with a shared interest.
Defining Disability
Disability is a label given or claimed, which identifies disadvantage due to physical or psychological variations or impairments. The medical model views differences and impairments as the cause of an individual’s inability to participate fully in society, creating a false idea of ‘typical abilities’, and thus seeing disabled people as ‘different’ and lesser, in need of being ‘fixed’.
The social model views impairments as disabling because society fails to accommodate us, thus excluding and persecuting us for not fitting into their idea of the ‘norm’. It is a common struggle to access accurate information and support around disability, and for many, claiming the title ‘disabled’ can be a difficult emotional journey. No matter how early you are into this process, you are welcome.
Details
Groups of between 8–16 | 1hr 45 minutes over Zoom | 6 weekly sessions | Free
10min arrival time | 30min breakout rooms in groups of 4-5 | 30min private writing | 15min break | 10min writing exercise | 10min whole group reflection and discussion
The first five sessions are UTC+1, the final session on the 30th of October is UTC [UK Time is either GMT, UTC+0 | or BST, UTC+1]
Book your ticket here.
Access Narrative
Access Narrative provides low-cost international online spaces for writers rooted in accessibility, with aims to be; trans-inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly, and trauma-informed. We encourage autonomy, uphold anti-oppressive values, and strive to be non-hierarchical. These groups are led by Ennis Welbourne (they/them) a marginalised writer who uses their lived experience to help cultivate a safe space for writers to access community and support.
By signing up for an Access Narrative offering, you agree to follow our inclusion guide which can be found in the Handbook. Within, you can also find pictured instructions for using Zoom.
Your Facilitator
Ennis Welbourne (they/them) is a marginalised writer facilitating online writing groups under the banner Access Narrative. They work for London Lit Lab as Assistant Editor and are a Bath Spa creative writing graduate. They have been published in Transcribed an anthology of trans writing, the survivor writers' collection You Are Here, and in the upcoming anthology Queer Life, Queer Love 3 (November 2025).
Email: enniswelbourne@gmail.com
Testimonials
“This group has been a huge part of my development as a writer. It has cultivated a safe space in which for me to grow, connect and lay the foundation of a regular writing practice. As well as encourage me to be in community with people of similar and intersecting identities and experiences to my own.”
“I have found it incredibly grounding and inspiring each week to meet with trans (and disabled) writers of all ages and practices and backgrounds to reflect on our positionality and place in the writing world as well as in our own lives. I think the trans writers group is revolutionary in instigating a space for community care, self-development and uplifting the voices of marginalised writers in a real way.”
See all Access Narrative Testimonials here.