Gillian Brown Disability Awareness Journey: Transforming TV Production with Inclusion and Accessibility

In creative industries like television production, disability inclusion in the workplace often doesn’t get enough attention. But for Gillian Brown, a TV producer at Strawberry Blond Productions, disability awareness has become a cornerstone of her approach to work. Gillian’s story highlights how taking a disability inclusion course changed her perspective on everything from casting and filming to creating accessible workspaces. In this article, we will explore how Gillian’s journey with disability awareness has transformed her approach to TV production.

Who is Gillian Brown?

Gillian Brown works in factual TV production at Strawberry Blond Productions, a company known for creating high-quality documentaries and other factual programming. Her role involves developing TV shows that educate and entertain, but it wasn’t until she took a disability awareness course that her perspective on her job—and the industry as a whole—began to change.

The course helped Gillian understand the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of TV production. It also sparked her to think about how to make her work environment more inclusive and ensure that TV shows are created with accessibility in mind. This shift in mindset has led to many changes in her approach to her job, from casting decisions to how she collaborates with her team.

The Turning Point: Disability Awareness Course

Before taking the course, Gillian was already aware of some challenges that people with disabilities face in the workplace. However, it wasn’t until she studied disability inclusion more deeply that she realized how much more could be done to improve accessibility in her industry.

The course covered a range of topics, but one module on designing accessible spaces was particularly helpful for Gillian. It made her rethink the way she approaches the physical environment of her workplace and the filming locations for TV productions. She learned about different types of disabilities—whether physical, cognitive, or sensory—and gained a better understanding of what makes a space truly accessible for everyone.

In addition to physical spaces, the course helped Gillian recognize the importance of asking the right questions when it comes to accessibility, especially when recruiting employees or selecting talent.

Implementing Changes at Strawberry Blond

After completing the course, Gillian wasted no time in applying her new knowledge to her role at Strawberry Blond Productions. She noticed immediate changes in how she worked, and those changes had a positive impact on her colleagues and the productions she was involved in.

1. Rethinking Casting and Recruitment:
The most immediate change Gillian made was in her casting decisions. She started looking for opportunities to cast people with disabilities in both onscreen and behind-the-scenes roles. She took the time to consider the accessibility needs of potential hires and asked the right questions during the recruitment process to ensure that all employees felt supported.

Gillian also began to prioritize making her recruitment process more inclusive. She ensured that job descriptions were clear, and she worked with the HR team to offer adjustments for applicants with disabilities.

2. Accessible Filming Locations:
Another significant change was in the locations chosen for filming. Gillian became more attuned to the importance of accessibility when selecting venues for shoots. This meant considering practical details like wheelchair ramps, accessible entrances, and appropriate restroom facilities.

Beyond the physical space, Gillian also considered how the location would affect the ease of movement for the cast and crew, ensuring that everyone could perform their tasks comfortably and without barriers.

3. Creating Inclusive TV Shows:
Gillian also became more focused on creating inclusive TV programs. She began pushing for more diverse representation in the projects she worked on. This included not only casting actors with disabilities but also creating storylines and characters that genuinely represented people with disabilities in a realistic way.

Inclusive casting goes beyond just hiring disabled actors. It also involves finding ways to integrate people with disabilities into various aspects of the production, from directing and producing to sound and set design. By prioritizing inclusion both on and off screen, Gillian has helped ensure that Strawberry Blond Productions is a leader in inclusive TV production.

4. Improving Workplace Communication:
Gillian’s awareness of accessibility extended beyond physical spaces. She also worked to ensure that communication within the production team was accessible to everyone. This involved making sure all documents, like scripts or production notes, were available in accessible formats—such as large print, audio versions, or digital formats for screen readers.

Additionally, Gillian encouraged the use of clear, simple language in communication to ensure that all team members could easily understand and follow instructions.

The Impact on TV Production

The changes Gillian has implemented at Strawberry Blond Productions are not just about making accommodations; they are about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved in the production process. These changes have made a big difference, not only for those with disabilities but also for the entire team, who now work in a more inclusive and mindful atmosphere.

1. More Inclusive Workspaces:
By ensuring that all team members, regardless of ability, have what they need to succeed, Gillian has helped make her workplace more inclusive. This includes making sure that every team member feels valued and supported. From accessible desks to assistive technologies, Strawberry Blond Productions is becoming a model for inclusive workplaces.

2. Raising Awareness in the Industry:
Gillian’s work is helping to raise awareness about the importance of disability inclusion in the creative industries. The more people see accessible and inclusive TV productions, the more they will understand the value of representation in media.

Moreover, by prioritizing accessibility in her work, Gillian is inspiring others in the industry to follow her lead. The idea that inclusion is not just about meeting the bare minimum but about going above and beyond to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute is slowly taking root in the TV production world.

3. Practical Lessons for Others:
One of the key takeaways from Gillian’s experience is the importance of asking the right questions. By simply asking about accessibility needs during casting or recruitment, she has shown how small changes can lead to major improvements in inclusion. This has been a practical and actionable lesson for many other professionals in the TV production industry.

Conclusion

Gillian Brown’s journey into disability awareness has been transformative, not only for her own career but also for the TV industry as a whole. By integrating disability inclusion into every aspect of TV production—casting, location selection, communication, and workplace culture—Gillian has set a new standard for what it means to be inclusive in the entertainment world.

Her work at Strawberry Blond Productions proves that when people with disabilities are included in the creative process, everyone benefits. The industry as a whole is moving toward more inclusive and accessible productions, and Gillian’s efforts are a shining example of the power of education, empathy, and awareness in creating positive change.

Through her work, Gillian is helping to build a more inclusive future for TV production and beyond, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has an opportunity to succeed and be represented. Her journey proves that when we create accessible spaces, we create opportunities for everyone to shine.