Let's try a holistic approach to production accessibility.

A producer once mentioned to me that "accessibility is just a budget item."

That stuck with me. I feel like that statement really reflects the mindset of producers in my generation. I've had a long career in live TV production, and I'm ashamed to admit that I rarely gave a thought to the accessibility of what we were producing. The only time we mentioned the word "captioning" was if there was a problem with our live captioning feed. I never actually watched the captioning to see if the quality was any good, or how long the lag time was. No one did, actually. Audio description was even further from our collective minds.

Fast forward to today. I've spent the past 6 years working and learning in the accessible media space, so I'm constantly aware of the accessibility of all types of content.

How many of us now prefer to watch our videos with the captions ON? Call it the smart phone effect - we watch so much video on our phones with the sound turned off, that captions are actually more mainstream than ever.

Let's consider a different approach. What if we produce accessibility? I'm sure you're thinking "I'm not sure what that means", and I completely relate - I would have been in the same position 5 years ago.

Think of it as a holistic approach. Holistic simply means that you consider the project as a whole, rather than individual parts. So by treating accessibility as a production element, it becomes a priority as important as lighting or sound.

Pre production Every production starts with an idea or concept. Even at this early stage, we can include accessibility as an element of planning.:

• Review of disability representation within the concept or idea

• Accessible communication with stakeholders/ staff/ crew

• Accessible hiring practices

• Vetting of 3rd party vendors to ensure their accessibility strategy aligns with the production

Production There are so many moving parts and simultaneous activities happening on a film/video set. We should:

• Provide an accessible and inclusive on set environment

• Clearly established accessibility protocols and processes

• Express a willingness to adapt and accommodate any accessibility need

Post production This step comes with very concrete and measurable actions, and relies on an open line of communication with your Accessibility Service Provider/s ( captioning/ audio description/ transcription):

• Establish a direct contact with the ASP/s

• Understand the ASP/s workflow and timing

• Understand the ASP/s quality control process

• Allow sufficient time for work to be completed and QC'd

• Allow sufficient time for work to be reviewed by production team

Marketing and Promotion: You've come this far - it would be a shame not to continue to the last stage!

• Social media accessibility

• Accessible event planning (for screening events/ speaking events)

• Accessible communication to external agencies (press releases, email blasts, newsletters)