Industry and Community Partnership Programs

The National Screen Institute, Women in View and the Disability Screen Office have partnered to create the Disabled Producers Lab, a new program aimed at challenging and reshaping industry norms, promoting accessibility, and building producing skills. The Disabled Producers Lab is a part-time, online program designed as a space for disabled producers marginalized by gender across Canada including, but not limited to, transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people, and many other gender identities. Up to five participants with a completed short film script ready to develop (up to 10 minutes or 10 to 11 pages) work with Disabled filmmakers Ophira Calof and Michelle Asgarali to create a production binder featuring a script breakdown, budget, accessibility plan and pitch.

AccessCBC is a national initiative designed to support Deaf and disabled creators in the screen industry. The program offers pre-development training, mentorship, and financial assistance across three streams: scripted comedy/drama, unscripted content, and children’s programming. Participants receive guidance from CBC executives to refine their concepts and develop polished pitch materials, empowering them to lead and innovate within the industry. The DSO is a partner and consultant to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for this program.

Now in its third year, the DSO’s partnership with the CBC is making the JUNO Awards accessible to audiences with disabilities, both for audiences watching the broadcast from across the country and for attendees on-site at the awards. The DSO has partnered with CBC to develop a robust accessibility plan for the broadcast of the JUNO Awards, which in 2026 includes providing ASL interpretation, real-time captions, and described video for the live broadcast.

The DSO works with Coalition M.É.D.I.A. on our “Mapping Representation and Barriers to Participation” project, amongst other activities, to enhance outreach in Quebec. Their local knowledge and experience help us connect with the Francophone disability community and engage with industry professionals across Quebec.