This panel, featuring Rachel Kayrooz, Stephanie Dower, Knox Gibson, and a Therapy Dog handler team from Empower Assistance Dogs, brings together leading voices in the industry with lived experiences of disability. 

Together, they’ll discuss what it means to navigate and actively participate in the screen industry, whilst challenging perceptions of accessibility and inclusion. Key topics include addressing tokenism, the unique skillsets that creatives with disabilities contribute, and the authentic stories being told—by and about people with disabilities—both on-screen and behind the scenes.  

The panel will dive into barriers to inclusion and accessibility, exploring practical solutions such as adjustments, job-sharing, and capacity-building, that support a more inclusive environment. The discussion will also address Access Coordination, attitudinal change, and the importance of building frameworks that are shaped by people with disabilities, paving the way for true accessibility in the industry.  

Will have therapy dog in attendance.