The School of Film, Media & Theatre in the College of the Arts and the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University are proud to partner with SHOWAbility, a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting accessibility in the performing arts, for the first-ever Accessibility-Below-The-Line™ Expo. Taking place on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event will focus on increasing inclusion and access in Georgia’s growing film industry.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), this unique expo is designed to empower both professionals and aspiring creative workers with disabilities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into industry accommodations and opportunities for inclusive employment.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with SHOWAbility to help advance accessibility and foster a more inclusive entertainment industry,” said the School of Film, Media & Theatre director Dr. Ethan Tussey. “Events like this provide essential platforms for meaningful dialogue on how we can support creative artists with disabilities, ensuring that Georgia’s entertainment industry leads in accessibility and opportunity.”
SHOWAbility’s founder and executive director, Myrna Clayton, added: “The Inclusion Revolution, a term highlighted at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, is inspiring global momentum for integration, access, and equity for the disability community. This expo is a key step in ensuring that Georgia becomes a model for accessibility in the entertainment world.”
The Accessibility-Below-The-Line™ Expo will feature workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions with industry professionals and advocates. These conversations will explore strategies and accommodations that can be implemented on film sets to foster an inclusive workforce and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
SHOWAbility has been a long-time champion of accessibility and inclusion in the performing arts, advocating for equity and meaningful employment opportunities in fields such as music, theater, dance, poetry, and film.
As 26 percent of the U.S. population, people with disabilities represent the largest minority group in the country and wield a discretionary spending power of $21 billion. The Accessibility-Below-The-Line™ Expo aims to make a significant impact by opening up career paths for people with disabilities in Georgia’s thriving film industry.
Nathan Archer, marketing and events manager for the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University, emphasized the importance of the event for future filmmakers: “Accessibility in filmmaking is vital to shaping an inclusive industry. By engaging our students in these critical conversations, we can help foster a new generation of filmmakers who are mindful of creating accessible and inclusive content.”
The Accessibility-Below-The-Line™ Expo will be held at Georgia State University’s Student Center, 46 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303. The event is free and open to the public.
To register for the event, visit https://form.jotform.com/242335925625156.
For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, visit showability.org or contact [email protected].