On Tuesday 10 September 2024, Media Cymru and the University of South Wales are hosting the first Accessible Futures Summit.
Taking place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Gogled Road, Cardiff, CF10 3ER
With 1 in 4 of the Welsh population now identifying as disabled, and less than 8% deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent (DDN) representation on and off screen, there’s never been a more important time to talk about accessibility in our sector.
The aim of the summit is that everyone leaves more disability confident, with a better understanding of how to hire, include, train and support DDN talent, and able to identify resources and funding to ensure more accessible productions.
Screen industry professionals will come together to discuss accessibility, inclusion, and representation in all aspects of screen production and explore best practice, beyond just the basics.
Industry leaders, including disabled creatives, will share knowledge and experience, providing participants with the tools to elevate accessibility and open pathways to deeper inclusion, harnessing the creativity and other benefits that comes from lived experiences.
The Summit is for:
| 09:30 | Registration |
| 10:00 | Welcome with host Jake Sawyers and talent showcase film screening |
| 10:15 | Keynote: ‘LIFE' ACTUALLY |
| Three disabled creatives reflect on their recent experiences, suggesting pathways to more equitable and accessible futures. | |
| Kaite O’Reilly, Andria Doherty & Sara Beer | |
| 10:40 | Panel: FIELD OF DREAMS |
| Hear how the Cardiff-based Paralympics team strived to make this global production more accessible. | |
| Joe Towns, Liz Johnson, Carys Owens, Giles Long, Omar Hagomer, James Ledger | |
| 11:25 | Refreshment break |
| 11:50 | Inclusion Accelerator report findings, with Gritty Talent |
| Reema Lorford | |
| 12:00 | Panel: DESPERATELY SEEKING SCREENWORK |
| Getting in & Getting On: How to find, recruit and include DDN talent in our productions and storytelling. | |
| Reema Lorford, Heloise Beaton, Caroline O’Neill, Laurence Clark, Rosie Higgins | |
| 12:45 | CASTAWAY |
| Provocation about DDN actors missing out on TV & Film roles in Wales despite lots of local production activity. | |
| Adam Knopf, Meg Bradley | |
| 13:05 | Lunch & Exhibitor Stands |
| 14:15 | THE MASTER-classes (Delegates sign up to 1 of 3 options) |
|
1. Access to Work & Reasonable Adjustments (Disability Arts Online) A workshop aimed at supporting our screen sector to better understand and utilise Access to Work and explore what reasonable adjustments should be put in place to enable disabled people to thrive within the creative industries in Wales. Trish Wheatley & Cathy Waller 2. Overlapping Identities and Inclusive Language (Diverse Cymru) An introduction to what intersectionality is, why it matters, and how to act and communicate in ways that embrace more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Ele Hicks 3. Working with Access Coordinators Workshop (Brazen Productions/TripleC) An insightful interactive session exploring the working relationship between cast/contributor, crew and Access Coordinator and the impact this emergent role can have on your production. Jules Hussey & Jess Mabel Jones |
|
| 15:15 | Refreshment break |
| 15:40 | Panel: A NEW HOPE |
| Revolutionary projects and work practices taking place in Wales, showing how content creation and accessibility can go hand in hand. | |
| Ryan Chappell, Cai Morgan, Mared Jarman, Steve Swindon, Rhys Miles Thomas, Paul Burke | |
| 16:30 | Panel: DOCTOR WHO KNOWS HOW |
| Discover how Doctor Who is approaching accessibility on set and on screen. | |
| Jake Sawyers and Jess Gardner, Phil Sims | |
| 17:00 | CLOSING REMARKS |
| 17:20 | Refreshments, networking & exhibitor stands |
| 19:00 | END |
This event has received funding and support from Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
Accommodation sponsor and partner: Access Bookings
