Production Accessibility Role Initiative – ProdAccess
The Disability Screen Office, in association with the National Screen Institute (NSI), is developing 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.
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 NSI 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.
Production Accessibility professionals will:
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Influence decisions on hiring, location, budget and scheduling to ensure inclusivity and access;
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Collaborate with key creatives to develop and maintain accessibility plans;
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Deliver tailored accessibility training to production teams based on their specific needs;
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Act as a trusted contact for self-identification and accommodation requests;
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Create accessible environments by reviewing budgets, floor plans, and locations;
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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 the Industry Resource Hub upon completion of the training program.
