Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
"Disability" comes from the English language and means "disadvantage, handicap, difficulty" and usually refers to a social and/or physical disadvantage due to a disability.
Until now, there has been a lack of representation of people with disabilities - but the industry is gradually waking up and models and actors who can cope well with their handicap in front of the camera are increasingly in demand.
People with disabilities are also playing an increasingly important role in the growing desire for diversity, as they are just as much a part of our diverse society. It is therefore also the responsibility of film, television and advertising to represent and normalize this group as well.
Actors and models who have learned to deal well with their disability can also use it as a strength in castings - regardless of whether they have prostheses, Down syndrome, a wheelchair or a hearing impairment.
Unfortunately, the number of roles for people with disabilities is still limited, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist or that you shouldn't apply for roles that aren't explicitly written for people with disabilities. Perhaps the casters simply haven't considered that a person in a wheelchair can also run a business or that a model with a prosthetic leg can promote their fashion line and receive new input by applying.
It is therefore important that every talented performer, regardless of physical or social impairments, takes their chance and presents themselves.
Companies can support people with disabilities by providing accessible workplaces, flexible working hours and special resources.