In the "Disability Inclusion in Hollywood" series, actors, writers, showrunners and directors participated in a conversation produced by Variety Content Studio and presented by Easterseals Southern California, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities. The objective is to inform the entertainment industry –– including Hollywood decisionmakers –– about the importance of increasing disability inclusion and accelerating change in Hollywood.
We researched and invited industry insiders with disabilities and entertainment industry allies who have personal experiences with disability inclusion in Hollywood and are comfortable speaking on the topic. By booking panelists of all ages, races, and abilities, we prioritized diversity and various perspectives in each group conversation to capture a universal view of inclusivity in Hollywood and discover how we can improve it.
The two panel conversations were incredibly eye-opening, both for people with disabilities as well as allies and people who are interested in learning more about the need for inclusivity in entertainment. Audiences gained insight about how casting people with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera adds authenticity to storytelling, which leads to opportunities for greater inclusion and accessibility as well as more platforms to better represent people with disabilities both on and off screen.
In conversations with talent such as Rick Glassman, Sîan Heder, Marissa Bode, Nic Novicki, Autumn Best, John Hoffman, Lolo Spencer and more, we learned how disabled actors feel when an able-bodied actor lands the role of a person with a disability, what it feels like to be auditioning as a differently-abled person, how allies feel since hiring disabled creatives and cast members themselves, what the panelists would say to Hollywood executives, and how everyone feels more empowered as human beings and more well-rounded creative professionals after these conversations. We are beyond pleased with the outcome of our project!
