For a lot of people, it’s probably easier to say that the acting bug took them by surprise. Nearly everybody wants to grow up and be an actor, especially after seeing the amazing work that some people do in front of a camera.
However, while it is understandable that many simply don’t achieve lifelong goals about becoming famous performers, it’s often the case that their opportunity to do so is stalled quite a lot, and their disability is proved to be challenging factors in their attempts to find stardom.
The idea of a universe that is completely free of bias is obviously unattainable, but the way that we interact with disabled people on an everyday basis could definitely be subject to improvement. When people look at a disabled person trying to do something ordinary and mundane like apply for a film, prejudice kicks in without thinking. They start to make assumptions about that person based only on their physical characteristics, especially if they belong to a protected group or other minority.
Another interesting idea, albeit one which is less considered, is the idea that active discrimination against disabled people based on their physical characteristics is something which doesn’t take place as much as you think, but that still exists within the community.
As disability support workers Gold Coast we have encountered more than our fair share of individuals who are discriminated against unnecessarily because they have a disability. The idea that they can learn and grow within the confines of a normal universe free of harassment often seems like a challenge.
Now, obviously, having a physical disability should not mean that you are anymore or less responsible for certain issues and challenges that you may face. It’s not even your problem either, but there are some things considered to be very normal to live with a disability. Filters on recruitment that seem to activate automatically and are designed to keep out people with disabilities may not be something you’re immediately aware of, but they are working in certain parts of the world like Australia.
Unfortunately, it’s clear at this point that we do have a long way to go before we as a people are much more accepting and understanding of disabilities that we have been before. These are ordinary people who deserve the chance to grow and reach their full potential, and oftentimes this means giving them crucial opportunities to succeed within the film and stage industries.
We have to be there to do better, and for a lot of people, this is harder than it sounds. If these filters are causing issues, for example, then they have to be removed altogether or substantially reworked. It can definitely be hard to do, but it would be well worth it to create a much more equal and fair set of opportunities for individuals who have disabilities but wish to pursue an acting career. Making provision should ultimately be the norm, not a big and exciting gesture, and that needs to be clear from the outset.