3 Ways to Improve Disability Representation on Set
At Kraken Cove, we believe that representation matters. We also believe it goes beyond what we see on screen, extending behind the camera to the physical spaces where storytelling occurs and to the people who build those creative worlds.
Join us in our effort to create more inclusive productions by recognizing and addressing the barriers that people with disabilities face within the film community.
Grab Your Inclusivity Toolkit
One of the most effective ways to improve disability representation both in film and on set is by implementing some practical accessibility measures. Unilever's recently-released "Inclusive Production Toolkit" provides an incredibly valuable resource for our industry, chock-full of actionable tips on how to improve access and support disabled creatives.
Inspired by the insight, we hope to distill some of the most applicable and useful takeaways so you can get out there and start creating safe and inclusive production spaces where everyone feels empowered to tell their story.
Check out these 3 simple steps you can start taking immediately:
1 - Expand Your Understanding
Disability is a diverse and multifaceted experience, as is the language and preferred terminologies used to describe it. A person’s disability can be visible or non-visible; it can be physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory. They can be born with a disability, or acquire one at a later stage in life.
What’s more, disability doesn’t discriminate. People of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds make up the disability community. Disability is also something every single one of us can (and might) end up experiencing at some point in our lives, whether it’s due to age, genetics, injury, or illness.
With so many different cultural identities and lived experiences at play, inclusive language is not a one-size-fits-all thing. What one person finds acceptable, another may see as reductive or even offensive. Learn the local vernacular of disability language where you live and work, and when in doubt, ask. Allow people to define who they are by opening friendly and respectful conversations, focusing on the person and not the disability.
To help adjust other people’s attitudes:
Consider including a call-to-action on your call sheets, such as “We value inclusion on our sets and expect all cast and crew to treat each other with respect.”
Acknowledge the importance of inclusion during calls, meetings, and briefings.
Ensure from day one that anyone on set with a disability has a designated crew member to connect with if they have any issues or concerns.
2 - Ask, Assess, & Address
People with disabilities often face a lot of harmful and hurtful stereotypes, from being treated like there’s something “wrong” with them to having their disability held up as a prop for inspiration.
A common stereotype in workplace environments is the misbelief that a disability is somehow a liability, something too expensive or unreasonable to accommodate. This can be really damaging to disabled people within or interested in joining the film industry.
The truth is, accommodations are usually way less expensive than people think – and oftentimes can be made at little to no cost! Plus, accessibility upgrades tend to be common-sense investments that benefit everyone on set, like ramps, accessible seating, or better signage.
If you’re managing a shoot, particularly one on location where physical access might be difficult or even dangerous for some folks, it’s important to ask about, assess and address any potential accessibility issues so you can make reasonable accommodations. Inclusivity means people take priority.
A bespoke approach is always best, but some examples of on-set accommodations may be:
Printing scripts or schedules in larger font for a person with low vision.
Adapting camera equipment so it can be supported on a wheelchair or frame.
Designating a quiet area for people with sensory issues.
3 - Keep It Authentic
Inclusive filmmaking means practicing inclusion throughout all aspects of production. Casting people with disabilities and crafting roles specifically with them in mind are both excellent first steps, but they’re one part of a larger goal.
Improving disability representation behind the camera means adding people with disabilities to your crew. From the writer’s room to the production office, to lighting, wardrobe, set design and more, there are many opportunities to foster authentic inclusion. This could be an internship, work experience, or paid role. Even a volunteer opportunity can help a person get their foot in the door of an often-exclusive industry.
Additionally, when hiring caterers or setting up craft services, consider using companies that employ people with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds. Same goes for the businesses you use to supply props, cameras, and sound and lighting equipment.
There are many disability organizations and online communities dedicated to promoting the professional development of disabled creatives. A few that are based in California include:
Inevitable Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers mid-level disabled screenwriters with job placement, professional development, funding, networking and mentorship.
AbilityE, a nonprofit disability entertainment talent resource with thousands of performers.
AFA Hub, a nonprofit that provides vocational training to neurodiverse adults in Animation, Filmmaking, Video Game Design, and VFX.
An Afterthought on Afterthoughts
The path towards inclusive filmmaking requires careful consideration, respect, and a strategic approach that should be embraced from the very beginning of every production. Access should never be seen as an afterthought or a box to tick. Improving disability representation on film sets is not just a responsibility; it is an opportunity for growth, creativity, and authenticity. Approaching it as such ensures that every film set becomes a space where all talents can thrive.