The 72-page magazine reflects the real lives of disabled people and the issues that matter to them. First launched in 1984, Disability Now seeks to change attitudes towards disability and end discrimination. With more than 11 million people registered disabled in the UK, Disability Now champions the rights and equalities of its readers – by giving the community a mainstream voice.
The team of disabled journalists and a small sales force are employed by Scope – but Disability Now, helmed by Ian Macrae – former Editor of BBC Television’s Disability Programmes Unit remains editorially independent from the charity. The team will work closely with FuturePlus on the production and print of the magazine.
FuturePlus will also advise on Disability Now’s communications strategy, as the magazine seeks to increase its readership and advertising revenue in print and by further developing its online presence.
Ian Macrae, Editor of Disability Now, said: “Our new working partnership with FuturePlus is an exciting development for Disability Now. We’ll benefit from their expertise and the scale of their operation. This means we can grow and start to reach more of the people who should be readers. The voice of disabled people is about to become a lot more powerful.”
Jayne Caple, Director of FuturePlus UK, added: “It’s fantastic to be working with the team at Scope on such an important and powerful magazine. Ian and his team have a clear aim to make Disability Now the voice of disabled people in the UK and we look forward to supporting them and helping to make this happen.”
The contract with Scope for Disability Now sees FuturePlus further grow its portfolio of membership and charity clients. The agency was recently recruited to work with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and also produces membership magazines for the Musicians’ Union, GMB and advises The Soil Association.
About Disability Now
Disability Now says: “Disability Now is Britain’s leading magazine for, about and by disabled people. Although the title is published by disability charity Scope, it is editorially independent.”
About Scope
Scope says: “Scope is a charity that supports disabled people to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We work with all disabled people and have particular expertise in working with people with cerebral palsy and complex support needs.
Our purpose is to drive the changes that will make our society the first in which disabled people are able to realise their full civil liberties and human rights.”
About FuturePlus
Future says: “FuturePlus UK is the award-winning customer publishing agency of Future, providing innovative cross-channel content and bespoke communications for its partners – including BSkyB, GMB, Musicians’ Union, nVidia, Odeon, PC World and O2. The most recent award includes winning ‘Best Journal or Magazine’ for Musician, and Best One-off Publication’ for the Musicians’ Union Members’ Handbook 2008 at the TUC Trade Union Communication Awards.”
