ITC launch 'Action Plan On Disability'

The ITC have published an 'Action Plan on Disability', outlining key commitments and policy on disability within the ITC and in their regulatory role.
The Action Plan was one of several published at the launch of the Broadcasters' Disability Network Manifesto at the Tate Modern, London. Speakers included Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Disabled People, and Chief Executives from major broadcasters, including Carlton.
Broadcasters including Carlton, Granada, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery, Turner Broadcasting, BSkyB and the BBC, together with the Film Council and PACT have published Action Plans, detailing their policies and commitments to ensuring the inclusion of disabled people in on-screen portrayals and in off-screen roles across their organisations.
In their Action Plan, the ITC acknowledge that their role as a regulator and public body means they have a responsibility not only for promoting diversity, quality and best practice within the broadcasting industry, including ensuring that programmes reflect the diversity of the UK, but also in their own activities.
Initiatives will include publishing a statement of progress made in promoting diversity in the industry workforce and on screen as part of the ITC's Annual Report; reviewing its own recruitment practices so that job opportunities are accessible to disabled people; offer full time, paid work placements for four disabled graduates each year; provide diversity training for managers and establish a staff diversity action team; research and work with the broadcasting industry to develop an understanding of sensory and cognitive barriers to the enjoyment of television services; and deliver BSL training to all reception staff, in addition to offering training to all staff.
ITC Chief Executive, Patricia Hodgson, said: "It is very important that the rich diversity of this country is reflected by the broadcasting industry. People with disabilities are a significant part of the television audience, yet they are almost invisible in programmes and significantly under-represented in the industry's workforce. We welcome and wholeheartedly support this initiative of the BDN and broadcasters, and in publishing our own Action Plan register how important we consider diversity to be."
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