Accessible Futures Summit to showcase inclusivity in the media sector

USW is working with Media Cymru to host the very first Accessible Futures Summit to highlight how the screen sector can be more inclusive and diverse, and show how far the industry has come in accommodating D/deaf, Disabled and Neurodiverse (DDN) talent in media production careers.

The summit, which will take place on Tuesday 10 September at the Royal Welsh College for Music and Drama, brings together academic and industry leaders to unveil new approaches to working with D/deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent talent behind the screen.

With 1 in 4 of the Welsh population now identifying as disabled, and less than 8% D/deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent representation on and off screen, the summit will enable attendees from across the media sector to become more disability confident, gain a better understanding of how to hire, include, train and support DDN talent, and identify resources and funding to ensure more accessible productions.

Throughout the summit, screen industry professionals will discuss accessibility, inclusion, and representation in all aspects of screen production, exploring best practice and hearing from a number of disabled creatives, who will share their knowledge and experience.

Sally Lisk-Lewis, Skills Partnership Manager at USW and member of the Media Cymru research team, helped organise the ambitious summit after speaking to industry professionals with lived experience of working in the sector as disabled creatives.

She said: “I was approached by writer Kaite O’Reilly, actress Andria Doherty and Sara Beer – Director for Change at Craidd, a collaboration to improve opportunities for Deaf and disabled people in theatre – who were all frustrated by the lack of representation of disabled people on and off screen in our sector. As someone who has experienced significant hearing loss myself, what they had to say about the on-going challenges faced by the deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent community in Wales, really struck a chord.

“There’s already so much good work happening in Wales to diversify the on/off screen narrative, which we intend to showcase at the summit. But there’s much more we can and should be doing to allow everyone to thrive in our sector. Inclusive design benefits us all, from those with caring responsibilities or temporary health conditions, to individuals experiencing painful grief or poor mental health.

“This event not only covers ‘how’ to be accessible but will also examine ‘why’ it creatively benefits productions to involve disabled storytellers, cast and crew. I’m incredibly proud of the programme our small team at USW has put in place – and the amazing speakers and masterclasses we have lined up for this inaugural summit. With Media Cymru’s vision for sustainable, fair and green economic growth, it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when industry partners pull together.”

Andria Doherty, who has starred in It’s A Sin, The Way and Lost Boys & Fairies, is disabled and partially deaf and will be sharing her experience as a keynote speaker at the summit. She said: “It’s very important for decision makers in the industry to understand where the problems and barriers are for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent talent in Wales, promote discussion and set about making changes in order to create a level playing field.

“There are so many talented creatives in Wales, both in front and behind the camera, yet opportunities for us are very limited. Reasonable adjustments are not always made, both during the selection process and on set working.

“I am very much looking forward to being part of the discussions during the day so that everyone is learning together and set about making the changes that are needed. I am excited to hear about the success stories of others working in different parts of the industry. I’m sure it is going to be a very informative and productive day.”

Kaite O’Reilly is a playwright, author and dramaturg, and joins Andria as a keynote speaker at the summit. She added: “An inclusive media which represents and reflects the diversity of our nation, celebrating the true breadth of talent – so often overlooked – makes better TV and film for everyone. Accessible Futures is a brilliant initiative where we can come together, learn from each other and move forwards boldly to a fairer and more equitable sector.”

Find out more about the Accessible Futures Summit here.