Private Broadcasters Launched Three Major Initiatives CAB Release
On December 3rd, 2006, people around the world will celebrate people with disabilities under the theme “E-accessibility”. In 1992, the United Nations first declared December 3 rd as the International Day of Disabled Persons to draw attention to the many ways in which those with disabilities enrich our communities.
Recognizing the potential influence programming has in shaping public attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), on behalf of private broadcasters, has launched three major initiatives to affect social attitudes in this area.
These initiatives, all available on the CAB web site (www.cab-acr.ca), include:
In the fall 2005, the CAB submitted its final report on the Presence, Portrayal and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Television Programming to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The research conducted by the CAB in support of its final report pointed to concerns of negative social attitudes, misperceptions and misinformation concerning persons with disabilities, and life with a disability. Private broadcasters’ multi-pronged initiatives are directed at improving the participation of persons with disabilities in the broadcasting industry and influencing a positive shift in public attitudes about persons with disabilities.
Public Service Announcement – “Open Your Mind”
The PSA, entitled “Open Your Mind” is directed at influencing a positive shift in public attitudes about persons with disabilities. The PSA is to be aired over the course of 2007 and will feature four individuals from the disability community from various occupational backgrounds. The PSA is aimed at demonstrating and encouraging the employability of persons with disabilities in a variety of fields. Produced in high definition, the PSA will be available immediately to television stations across the country in both English and French.
Recommended Guidelines on Language and Terminology - Persons with Disabilities: A Manual for News Professionals and Glossary
This manual for news professionals, developed by the CAB Television and Specialty & Pay Boards in consultation with the Radio-TV News Directors Association (RTNDA) Canada, includes recommended guidelines on the use of language and terminology when referring to persons with disabilities. The manual has been made available to all CAB and RTNDA members, and is also available on line in a printable and accessible format on the CAB’s Diversity in Broadcasting Web site.
Employment Opportunities in the Canadian Broadcasting and Affiliated Production Sector
This brochure, developed by the CAB Television and Specialty & Pay Boards, outlines the types of employment available in the broadcasting and affiliated production sector. This brochure is aimed at improving the participation of persons with disabilities in the industry. The brochure will be made available on the CAB’s Diversity in Broadcasting Web site in an accessible and printable format and will be promoted to the disability community, educational institutions and relevant government agencies and/or departments (municipal, provincial and federal). |