In September D-MAP took the next big step and as the current Chair of the Media Advisory Committee, I met with some major US news networks. For as long as I can remember, disability has rarely been seen as a subject that is cool and sexy; however, television and media are seen as cool and sexy. So the plan was to see how we can become compatible. Of course in my back pocket, so to speak, I know those who work in broadcasting, print and online media are human beings, affected by the same things as everyone, including disability. Getting the meetings wasn’t easy.

We decided D-MAP should start with the big players, the US national newspapers, news agencies, broadcasters, both television and radio. Of the 15 or so companies I approached, about eight have not replied--yet. However, enlightened organisations, creative ones (and ones where I’d been given a contact) did agree to meet.