‘Nothing About Us Without Us’
A Disability Consultant is a crucial advisor who champions authenticity and accessibility in film and television production. Guided by the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us,’ they ensure that the portrayal of disability is grounded in reality and respect, and that the production environment itself is inclusive for disabled professionals. Their work is typically divided into two equally important domains: on-screen representation and off-screen accessibility.
Disability Consultant: On-Screen Authenticity
For decades, the portrayal of disability in cinema has been rife with harmful tropes, inaccuracies, and inauthentic performances. A disability consultant works to correct this by collaborating with the creative team:
- Script and Character Development: They provide feedback on scripts to ensure a character with a disability is written as a whole person, not as a plot device, an object of pity, or a source of ‘inspiration porn.’ They help writers craft stories that reflect the real complexities and nuances of living with a disability.
- Actor and Performance Coaching: When an actor is cast to play a disabled character (particularly when the actor is not disabled themselves, a practice that is itself a subject of debate), the consultant can coach them on the specific physicality, movement, and communication methods associated with the disability. This helps the performance move beyond imitation toward authentic embodiment.
- Technical Accuracy: They work with the art department and prop master to ensure that any assistive devices—such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, or communication boards—are accurate for the character, the time period, and the specific disability being portrayed.
Disability Consultant: Off-Screen Accessibility
A truly inclusive production involves more than just what appears on screen. A disability consultant also functions as an accessibility coordinator, working to remove barriers for disabled cast and crew members.
- Set and Location Audits: They assess production offices, studios, and locations to ensure they are accessible, advising on the need for ramps, accessible restrooms, and clear pathways.
- Reasonable Accommodations: They work with production managers to implement reasonable accommodations, which could include providing an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, ensuring scripts are available in accessible formats, or adjusting schedules to account for an individual’s needs.
- Inclusive Casting: They can connect casting directors with a wider talent pool of disabled actors, advocating for authentic casting where a disabled actor is hired to play a disabled character.
The involvement of a disability consultant not only leads to better, more authentic storytelling but also helps the industry become a more equitable and accessible workplace for all professionals.