An initiative backed by Welsh government seeks to improve accessibility for learning disabled actors within Wales’ screen sector to ensure numbers continue to rise
A project dedicated to supporting learning disabled and autistic professionals within the screen sector has been awarded £125,000 from the Creative Skills Fund.
The project, led by Cardiff-based theatre company Hijinx, is primarily focused on training creative enablers, who provide support for learning disabled actors based on their individual needs and access requirements.
Ellen Groves, head of representation at Hijinx, said: “Essentially, the [creative enabler] is there to allow the actor to access their work… It could be helping an actor make sense of a call sheet, it could be making notes on blocking, advocating for breaks, or supporting meal preparation.”
Groves also said on-screen representation is important and that while the industry needs to do better in this area, creative enablers play a vital part in the solution.
She said: “The actors I represent are trained professionals. They have talent beyond what they need to succeed. The challenges we face are the barriers to access across the industry.”
The training offered by Hijinx is one of 17 initiatives chosen by the Creative Skills Fund as part of their latest wave of investments, which aim to support the development of creative talent in Wales.
The fund, which is managed by Government agency Creative Wales, was first introduced in September 2022. However, this year a particular emphasis was placed on accessibility and inclusive recruitment.
Penny Skuse, who works across Wales Screen and Creative Wales, said: “All 17 selected projects have to be able to demonstrate how they will ensure their programme of activity is accessible to all.”
While there are still barriers that need to be addressed, the prioritization of inclusivity marks positive change within creative industries. This shift is reflected in data released by the Welsh Government, which shows the number of disabled people working in this sector is increasing.