TV has long been inaccessible for disabled people, says Adolescence writer
by Kagedeah
TV has long been inaccessible for disabled people, says Adolescence writer
by Kagedeah
4 Comments
Same for the internet, accessibility is the last thing considered, if considered at all.
Something that has really impressed me with UK TV in recent years is that Quiz shows have become very diverse and accommodating for those with disabilities. You’ll often see shows with people doing sign language for deaf contestants and far more representation for others (plus for those from LGBT communities)
The problem is disability is a spectrum. One of the examples mentioned includes symptoms such as extreme fatigue.
It’s impossible to account for all forms of disability; even ‘common’ facets such as sensory deprivation require an inordinate amount of work to account for a very small percentage of the population.
Is it fair? No. But it is the unfortunate reality.
I hope this doesn’t come across as asshole old conservative man as I know it might but, it’s always going to be tough to be 100% inclusive in a field such as TV and movies that is so competitive. So much of the industry runs are what people are willing to do to make it.
For example: the quote “It’s annoying because they couldn’t see my creative side, my editing side, the things I had learned. They just saw somebody who couldn’t be on their feet for 10 hours a day.” Standing 10 hours a day isn’t easy for anyone, but if a show has a tight budget or tight schedule, they’re going to go with the person who just does it.
I want the world to be more inclusive, I want people to have opportunities, I want as much of the world to be accessible as possible. I just think it’s a weird example to choose an industry where literally hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds and abilities say daily “If they’d just stop and see my talents, I would make it.”
I don’t know, as I typed all that up I realized maybe I’m just an asshole.