The Disability Screen Office (DSO) announced Wednesday it is leading Canada’s first-ever multi-year study on the participation of people with disabilities in the Canadian film and TV industry and the barriers they face in the labour market.
The DSO initiative is financially supported by Accessibility Standards Canada’s Advancing Accessibility Standards Research Program and the Canada Media Fund’s Sector Development Support program, as well as contributions from the Shaw Rocket Fund, Ontario Creates, Creative BC, Bell Fund and PictureNL. The DSO is partnering with Quebec-based equity organization Coalition MÉDIA and has commissioned creative industries research firm Nordicity to undertake this research.
As part of this study, the DSO has launched Canada’s Screen Industry Survey on Disability to better understand the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities working in Canadian film and TV.
The data collected is expected to result in two key initiatives: a research report of key findings to inform the DSO’s ongoing advocacy on disability representation and inclusion in the Canadian screen industry; and a “best practices” guide designed to be a foundational resource for industry professionals at all levels, providing standards and guidelines for disability representation and inclusion, both on and off screen, across Canada’s anglophone and francophone film and TV sectors.
The survey is now open through June 2025, and is designed for people working in Canadian film or TV and who have disabilities or who experience barriers due to physical, mental or learning conditions. The DSO is also interested in hearing from people who want to work in the Canadian film and TV industry, but who have not been able to enter the sector due to barriers. In addition, those without disabilities or physical, mental or learning conditions can also participate in the survey to share their experiences working with individuals with disabilities in the Canadian screen sector.
In addition to participating in the survey, people with and without disabilities in the film and TV industry will be invited to share their perspectives in focus groups and roundtable discussions later this year, the DSO said.
“Canada’s Screen Industry Survey on Disability is truly groundbreaking — the first of its kind. Through the Survey, we will make history and create real impact in the Canadian screen industry: for the first time, we’ll be able to understand how many people with disabilities or conditions are working in the Canadian film and television industry, as well as what barriers they face. This data collected from the Survey will be actionable and allow us to work together as a sector to create true change,” said Winnie Luk, DSO executive director, in a press release.
“At a time when so much is shifting around the world, Canada has the opportunity to lead, setting a global example for accessibility and inclusion. By participating in our Survey, we can ensure that disabled voices are heard, valued, and supported in our industry. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our funders, whose commitment to a more inclusive industry is helping drive real and meaningful progress forward. Thank you!” Luk added.
