Access Description Checklist will allow broadcasters and indies see if facilities have appropriate accessibility requirements
Creative Diversity Network (CDN) and the TV Access Project (TAP) are teaming up to improve the accessibility of studios and post-production houses across the UK.
The disability and diversity groups have untied to deliver and host a mechanism for post-production and studio facilities to complete an Access Description Checklist. These reviews can be shared by facilities on their websites, and allows broadcasters, indies and freelancers working on projects, commissioned by TAP members, to confirm that the facility has completed a review.
Each company that completes a review will receive a certificate and will be added to a newly created, publicly available platform which will regularly update the list of organisations that have completed the review process.
The hub, the Checklist, and training details launch today (6 May). TAP and CDN will be providing free training courses in Bristol, Belfast, London, Manchester and Glasgow from this month to support organisations to utilise the Access Description Checklist.
The partnership builds on TAP’s Production Buildings Audit Checklist, which it launched in 2023 to train facilities to self-assess their accessibility for deaf, disabled and/ or neurodivergent cast and crew.
Miranda Wayland, chief executive of CDN, said: “Time and time again, Diamond data has shown that representation of disabled talent in off-screen roles remains persistently low – a challenge we must urgently address. Our Doubling Disability initiative identified a critical barrier to progress: the lack of accessible studio and on-location facilities.
“By joining forces with TAP on this vital project, we have a unique opportunity to drive real, structural change. This is more than just improving access; it’s about collaboration, innovation and collective accountability transforming our industry into a space where talent is recognised for its creativity and expertise, not limited by unnecessary obstacles.”
Eli Beaton, TAP’s project lead, added: “Understanding accessibility of our spaces – and communicating that to the talent working in them – is the first step in creating inclusive and accessible work environments.
“By completing the Access Description Checklist, which is linked to a publicly available list of organisations who have completed it, we will be able to help broadcasters and production companies work towards their goal to only produce content being made at facilities and studios who have committed to carrying out an accessibility review.”
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