Disability by Design: Representation in TV.

Abstract

This report focuses on the key findings of a survey conducted in the Spring of 2021 among deaf and disabled people working in the UK’s television industry. Quantitative and qualitative data from 223 respondents reveals a range of systemic barriers and discriminatory behaviours that deaf and disabled people regularly face. Multiple specific examples provide shocking insight into aspects of the lived experience of this under-represented group. The general levels of ignorance reflected in the behaviours and attitudes that our respondents describe suggests that mandatory training is urgently needed, particularly among those with management and recruitment responsibilities. The report highlights the extent to which employers are failing to take seriously their legal obligations under the Equalities Act 2010, and makes a number of practical suggestions for how the UK’s television industry might move beyond well-intentioned mission statements and short-lived ‘initiatives’.