The podcast discusses disability representation within entertainment and media.
[Our efforts are] about showcasing talent: work leads to work. One in four Americans identify as having a disability — that is the largest minority population in the nation, but we still are the most underrepresented as well. The more we are showcased the more that leads to jobs. … There’s so much talent in the union and the more [members] know about what we’re doing and the more that casting directors, producers, and others learn about what we’re doing, that’s just going to lead to more opportunities.
Nic Novicki
SAG-AFTRA Member & Easterseals Disability Challenge Founder
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time that recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices, and the milestones achieved by the disability community. SAG-AFTRA has been a longtime supporter and celebrator of performers with disabilities within entertainment and media, joining causes and working with organizations that aim to promote further diversity, equity, and inclusion in front of and behind the camera.
Joining SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland in this episode are two esteemed members, Christine Bruno and Nic Novicki. Bruno serves as National and NY Local Board member and chair of the SAG-AFTRA National and New York Local Performers with Disabilities Committees, and Diversity Advisory Committee vice chair. Novicki, an actor, comedian, and PWD Committee member is also a founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, an initiative providing performers with disabilities and industry creatives opportunities to tell their own stories.
Together, the two share their insights on disability representation in the entertainment industry, including the progress for performers with disabilities, the critical importance of intersectionality, and the economic potential of disability-inclusive content.
For more information about the union’s equity and inclusion initiatives, visit sagaftra.org.
Visit the SAG-AFTRA podcast page to hear other podcast episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or TuneIn to listen to your favorite episodes on the go.
The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.
Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; SAG-AFTRA National and New York Local Performers with Disabilities Committees Chair Christine Bruno; and PWD Committee member and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Nic Novicki.
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