TAP was created with the aim of moving towards full inclusion for Disabled people working in TV by 2030. A key pillar of its work is ensuring that the spaces in which cast and crew work are fully accessible.
The open letter signed by nine broadcasters states that:
‘TAP worked with experts to create an audit checklist that studios, post-production facilities, and production companies can use to self-assess the key accessibility features that can represent a barrier to some Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.’
Doing an audit does not necessarily mean changes have to be made to a space – it simply means the operators of the space will be able to be clear on access to disabled cast and crew.
The open letter continues: ‘Completing the audit will help you identify any necessary adjustments and improvements and plan a roadmap for your space to improve accessibility.
‘Over the next year, TAP will be providing free training sessions, in partnership with Proudlock Associates, to support spaces to utilise the Audit checklist. Completing the audit involves roughly half a day to assess your space for accessibility and is free of charge.
‘TAP members will be speaking about production spaces work at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival and are keen to champion spaces that have completed the audit checklist.’
Open Letter
Signatories
The open letter was signed by the following TAP members:
Charlotte Moore - Chief Content Officer, BBC
Ian Katz - Chief Content Officer, Channel 4
Kevin Lygo - Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, ITV
Liam Keelan - SVP Original Productions, The Walt Disney Company EMEA
Richard Watsham - Chief Creative Officer, UKTV
Robert Schildhouse - President of BritBox North America GM, BritBox International
Cécile Frot-Coutaz - CEO, Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer, Sky
Ben Frow - Chief Content Officer, UK, Paramount
Bobby Hain - Managing Director of Broadcast, STV
Pact is proud to be a TAP Partner.