The Disability Screen Office (DSO) on Monday announced a new program, the Accessibility & Disability E-Learning Series (ADLS), a course designed to help industry stakeholders understand and comply with accessibility legislation specific to their work in the Canadian screen industry.
Set to launch in spring 2026, this initiative is made possible with the support of the Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Creative BC and the province of British Columbia, Bell Fund, Telus Originals, and the City of Toronto, according to a DSO press release.
The ADLS will be a fully online, self-paced training program available in both English and French, and will include a variety of accessibility measures, such as transcripts, captions, and ASL/LSQ interpretation. Through the program, participants will have access to province-specific resources detailing what to consider when working in jurisdictions across the country with different accessibility laws, the DSO said.
According to the DSO, this e-learning program will:
- Allow industry professionals to understand the current laws, regulations, policies and standards related to disability and accessibility in Canada, specifically as they apply to the Canadian screen sector;
- Encourage industry professionals to identify common barriers to participation that may prevent people with disabilities from thriving within the sector;
- Provide guidance on applying accessibility best practices to remove those barriers; and
- Equip participants with tools to assess and improve their own practices, enabling them to identify changes that can lead to improved disability inclusion.
By the end of the program, participants will understand the definitions of accessibility, disability and accommodations; they will know how to design intentional, equitable and impactful processes and systems for people with disabilities on set and beyond; and they will be empowered to meaningfully include people with disabilities across the industry in various roles, the DSO said.
More details and registration information will be available when the program officially launches, the DSO added.
“Right now, there are very few structured resources to help folks in the screen industry understand what accessibility really means, especially in the context of Canadian laws, standards, and practices,” said Winnie Luk, DSO executive director, in the organization’s press release. “The Accessibility & Disability E-Learning Series helps fill that gap by providing producers, crew, and decision-makers with practical knowledge to remove barriers, create more inclusive environments, and stay compliant with regulations that apply to our sector. Alongside the Industry Resource Hub and our other programs, the ADLS is an important tool to help build a Canadian screen industry where disabled creatives can thrive. Thank you to our funders for believing in our mission and supporting this vital project.”
“The Canada Media Fund (CMF) values the DSO’s vital work and leadership in promoting accessibility and disability accommodation in the screen industry,” said Jessica Lea Fleming, CMF director of inclusion and growth. “This training is a key step towards a more representative and inclusive sector. Supporting the DSO in this undertaking advances shared equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility goals across the screen industry.”
Marcia Douglas, executive director of Bell Fund, said: “The launch of the Accessibility & Disability E-Learning Series marks a critical step forward for our industry. By providing practical, foundational knowledge about accessibility and disability inclusion, this initiative will help build a stronger, more equitable screen sector for everyone. We applaud the DSO’s leadership in ensuring that people with disabilities are meaningfully included in our work and both in front of and behind the camera.”
Cameron Zinger, executive in charge of production for Telus originals, added: “The Accessibility & Disability E-Learning Series (ADLS) is a crucial step towards a more equitable sector, aligning perfectly with TELUS originals’ mission to create impactful, socially conscious content. As storytellers, we recognize the power of diverse voices and perspectives. This initiative equips our industry with essential tools to break down barriers and create truly inclusive productions. We’re proud to support the DSO’s vital work and encourage all our partners to embrace this training, enhancing our collective ability to connect communities through accessible, powerful storytelling.”
The DSO also announced Monday it has extended the deadline to complete Canada’s Screen Industry Survey on Disability to July 25, to align with its focus group schedule.
