The Disability Screen Office (DSO) and the National Screen Institute are partnering to develop the Production Accessibility Role Initiative (ProdAccess), a program that will formalize a new managerial-level role dedicated to integrating accessibility into TV and film productions of all sizes across Canada. The initiative is supported by the Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Creative BC and the City of Toronto.

Professionals trained through this program will work with productions to identify and remove barriers to access for staff, cast and crew, ensuring accessibility is embedded from the earliest planning stages to the final edit.

Building on the success of production accessibility coordinators in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and France, the DSO and the National Screen Institute are elevating this role to the managerial level in Canada, giving it greater decision-making power and influence throughout the entire lifecycle of a production.

“Representation isn’t authentic if disabled creatives are excluded from the production process itself,” says Winnie Luk, DSO executive director. “By removing barriers, we open the door for untapped talent to thrive and contribute to the expansion of our industry. That’s why the DSO is working to provide tools, resources and training to help the screen sector embed accessibility in every stage of content production.

Alongside the Industry Resource Hub and our other programs, the Production Accessibility Role Initiative has the potential to make an incredibly positive impact in our sector, changing how things are done from the very start. We are extremely happy to have the National Screen Institute join us in this journey, and we are grateful to our funders for believing in and supporting this project.”

Production accessibility professionals will:

• Influence decisions on hiring, location, budget and scheduling to ensure inclusivity and access
• Collaborate with key creatives to develop and maintain accessibility plans
• Deliver tailored accessibility training to production teams based on their specific needs
• Act as a trusted contact for self-identification and accommodation requests
• Create accessible environments by reviewing budgets, floor plans and locations
• Manage accommodations such as ASL interpreters, transportation options and document accessibility.

To help the industry connect with trained production accessibility professionals, the DSO will publish a list of program alumni on their Industry Resource Hub upon completion of the training program.

“Accessibility must be built into the foundation of how we create our stories and grow our industry. The Production Accessibility Role Initiative is an important step toward creating an equitable future for the screen sector,” says Christine Kleckner, National Screen Institute executive director.

“We are pleased to be working with the DSO to bring this initiative to action. As a nationwide training organization, we’re committed to creating sets where all talent can thrive, and where the diversity of Canada’s communities is reflected both on and off screen.”

Next steps

• In early 2026, the DSO and the National Screen Institute will recruit a small cohort of disabled creatives to undertake comprehensive training in accessibility, budget management, human resources and production, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed as production accessibility professionals.
• As part of the training program, the DSO and the National Screen Institute will coordinate on-set placements to give trainees practical experience in the role. Organizations and individuals interested in hosting a placement can contact Alethea Bakogeorge, director of programs & development, at althea[dot]bakogeorge[at]dso-orphe[dot]ca.
• The DSO and the National Screen Institute will be hosting an online Production Accessibility Symposium in spring 2026. Attendees will learn more about this role in Canada, hear about best practices in production accessibility from our colleagues abroad and meet our first cohort of disabled creatives. Further details will be shared in early 2026.

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About the Disability Screen Office

The Disability Screen Office is a national, bilingual, disability-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing opportunities for disabled creatives and advocating for a more accessible and inclusive Canadian screen industry where they can thrive. To achieve this vision, we are building relationships and fostering connections among disabled creatives working in or aspiring to work in the industry, influencing all stages of content production to remove barriers and create opportunities, and advocating for policies that support disabled creatives. Learn more about our programs and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.dso-orphe.ca.

About the National Screen Institute

The National Screen Institute partners with a visionary network of donors, businesses, and private and public organizations to provide industry-informed training in screen-based media, equipping creators across Canada with the skills to tell unforgettable stories.

By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities – including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas – the institute helps build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

Students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, strengthening the creative economy and shaping a better world.

Media enquiries

Kássia Neves
Communications Manager – Disability Screen Office
343-574-6578 | co************@*******he.ca
www.dso-orphe.ca