Oscars diversity debate must include learning disability
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Version 0 of 1. Diversity has long been an issue at the Oscars, which are due to be awarded on Sunday. Last year’s #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlighted the lack of racial diversity. But disability has been overlooked in this debate, with even less of a voice for people with a learning disability. The pool of talent among actors with a learning disability grows every year, with some receiving critical acclaim. But, for the few roles that do show disability on screen, actors with disabilities are still overlooked. Statistics show 16% of Oscars are awarded to non-disabled actors playing a disabled character. Just 12% of the public say they have seen someone with a learning disability in a film. This is a group of people who remain misunderstood, at the corners of society. Hollywood has the power to shape attitudes and challenge our perceptions. It’s time for the diversity debate to embrace diversity itself, and begin a new era for the overlooked pool of growing talent among actors with a learning disability.Jan TregellesChief executive of MencapBen HigginsChief executive of BildNeil HeslopChief executive of Leonard Cheshire DisabilitySarah GordyActor with Down’s syndromeSteven BrandonActor with Down’s syndromeJodie WhittakerActorTy GlaserActorKellie ShirleyActorJames RumseyProducer of My Feral HeartJane GullDirector of My Feral HeartDuncan PavelingWriter of My Feral HeartMark NutkinsCinematographerCarl MackenzieProducerPixie Le KnotThe Girl in My Feral Heart and the UK’s leading contortionistTim Bentinck ActorNick LlewellynAccess All Areas theatre companyPatrick CollierExecutive producer, Access All Areas theatre companyLaw BallardActor and artistic director at Actors TempleGill Broderick ActorMark Wakeling Actor, producer and founder of Artistic TempleSusie TulletFilm publicist • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters |