If you've read this blog for any length of time, you'll know I'm not shy about talking about disabled issues in film and TV, as someone on the spectrum. Because of it, I've able to be part of some delightful things that have travelled the world (like the animated series Pablo). Representation is becoming a bigger talking point in this business, and I try to do my own little part to add an informed perspective to the conversation.
On Friday December 3rd, I was invited to the launch of Underlying Health Condition at none other than the Tate in London. What's UHC? a new report and initiative to improve what has been, frankly, the systemic failing of disabled talent in media in the UK for years. While headed up by award-winner Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, Skins, Enola Holmes), this was an event, and a project, dominated with actual disabled voices. Among some of the speakers and guests included actress Ruth Madeley, Genevieve Barr and Tom Wentworth (both working on the BBC's A Word spinoff, Ralph and Katie). Watch the event for yourself at the following link:
Talent in various fields (screenwriting very much included) who, despite hard work and determination, have found themselves shut out of jobs and opportunities they were fully entitled to. Why? Because the industry couldn't be bothered to do the bare minimum. We have money for big star actors and elaborate VFX, but not for ramps or disabled-accessible toilets (know how many there are in UK film and TV? 1000? 100? Not, just one. In the entire country).
They
aren't asking for preferential treatment or some other tabloid
nonsense about 'PC this, diversity quota that' - they are asking to be able to do their jobs. Because they are
adults who want to work and create, not 'problems' or 'nuisances' to be
brushed aside. They have the determination, the willpower and the work ethic to succeed, they only need space. If you recall my blog on it, Jack Thorne also discussed this at his powerful MacTaggart lecture - disabled people fighting hard and ending up with credit stolen or being unfairly dismissed from opportunities they were completely entitled to and had proven capable of doing.
Basic attention to detail and accommodation will do so much good - ramps, special kits, co-ordinators and proper toilets are the start. After that, actual sustained job support and training schemes that do lead to paid work and viable careers (for disabled writers, agents can also be a nigh-impossible hurdle to climb. I got lucky with mine, but how many others can say the same?). Merely more workshops or classes will not right a long-running ill, there has to be meaningful remuneration and strategy at play, an actual investment in the talent. Already, Channel 4 has adopted the proposed guidelines, and here's hoping more companies and broadcasters follow suit.
Pictured: Not a valid reason to ignore someone
Will one initiative solve everything? No, but then UHC isn't a lone wolf - it works with and builds on other disability organizations, like DPTV (Disabled People in TV), 1-IN-4 Coalition, Triple C/DANC (Disabled Artists Networking Community, which if you're not, you should be a member. Lots of support and masterclasses available). Collective effort is how things will change in how disabled creators are perceived and hired.
If all of that sounds like soapboxing, then all I ask you people reading to keep an open mind and listen to what disabled artists and crew are saying in the video above. If nothing else, do watch the first ten minutes, which has a short film talking about what disabled people deal with on a regular basis in TV, including some faces you may know from your favourite shows.
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