After years of planning, FIA is proud to announce the launch of its new Disability Working Group, a key initiative within its broader diversity efforts. With a team of dedicated volunteers now on board, the working group officially began its work this summer.
This inaugural meeting took place on 6 August 2024, with ten participants joining online from Estonia, France, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. The first gathering served as an opportunity to address some of the challenges faced by performers with disabilities around the world, such as the lack of professional opportunities and accessibility to casting locations, stages, and sets. The meeting also served to exchange best practices from various performers’ unions on the topic, such as the creation of disabled performers’ committees, the negotiation of specific terms and conditions in collective bargaining agreements, and the organisations of panels discussions on disability-related issues.
We are delighted to report that this working group is made up of passionate and knowledgeable individuals, whose expertise and enthusiasm fuelled productive discussions in this first session. Their commitment to the cause ensures that future meetings will continue to be equally engaging and meaningful as the group works to promote greater inclusivity in the arts and entertainment industry.
