Channel 4 is embarking on a number of new initiatives to increase the number of disabled people on and off screen. The Channel is determined to reflect disabled people's participation in society more fully than we do now.
We are now monitoring disability representation in programmes and on production teams. Production companies should register any disabled contributors or crew members on the portrayal and production monitoring forms which have to be completed for every programme.
To help companies improve the number of disabled people on screen, we have initiated this Directory to assist in finding disabled people to participate in Channel 4 programmes. The skills, interests, viewpoints and life experiences of disabled people are as many and varied as those of people without disabilities, so it should be possible to include disabled contributors in the mix, whether it's a game show, reality series or a documentary about teenage sex.
We have listed groups, organizations and individuals who can be contacted either as potential contributors or as a source of further leads:
- You may be able to place requests in forums and on message boards, or create 'news' content for websites.
- Web editors might agree to send out information to their email subscribers.
- A number of the larger organisations have newsletters or intranets that can be used effectively.
The Directory is only a starting point. Other ways of reaching disabled people include contacting student associations and clubs, local authorities and day centres. The website www.beonscreen.com can prove useful.
This is an initial version of the Directory and we are keen to update the information and contacts. Please send any comments and suggestions of individuals or organisations for inclusion to Alison Walsh, Disability Advisor at Channel 4.
