05/01/2024
Just received this from the professor at Arizona State University where we were once again invited to screen "CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion" and I thought I should share since it really speaks to the power of CinemAbility.
"Something I will always remember from this course was the Cinemability lecture. As someone planning to work professionally in the media industry, I ashamedly admit to not giving enough attention to diversity in film. Specifically, not recognizing diversity of ability. As an able-bodied person I often do not consider what physical or mental challenges others I work with may be facing. Currently the films and projects I have been producing have been with peers that I know closely. Subconsciously, I assume that these peers have the ability to work in whatever environment I place them in. So far this has been the case, I have given little thought to the physical and mental attributes that are part of the production. I assume that my team will be able to arrive at the location, play the roles they were given, and work seamlessly on the product. I had never considered before if a location was wheelchair accessible, if anyone had underlying health conditions that may create restrictions, or even mentally what challenges may arise that affect the process. The Cinemability lecture opened my eyes to an entire area of pre-production planning which I had never thought about. For example, one of the speakers was a wheelchair user. Being an actor, he was casted for a role in which he had to run across a golf course field. Obviously, that scene was not within his ability. Although it should be protocol to establish the personal ability of both actors and crew members on set, it is a part of the planning process often missed. Too, not all abilities show themselves physically. For example, it is important to know if someone on set has diabetes so it can be noted to provide snacks to prevent low blood sugar. Throughout this lecture, I realized how narrow-minded I have been in my own pre-production planning. This revelation significantly altered the way I communicate with my cast and how I work to accommodate personal needs, something I will take with me throughout the rest of my career."
