Thread by @realdomevans

As we fight for access in casting for disabled actors, we must remember this.

True inclusion in Hollywood starts in the writers room. it starts with scripts, directors, and the story.

THREAD.

#FilmDis

We could cast all the disabled actors we wanted, but if we don't have disabled writers to tell authentic stories of what it's like to be disabled, we are never going to get disabled stories right.

Disabled writers understand how to include the subtle nuances of being disabled, something nondisabled writers never include because they don't understand what those are. No amount of research can ever replace lived experience.

Instead, we always get what nondisabled writers think being disabled is like.

Most of that revolves around fear of becoming disabled, fear of depending on others or having the care for others, becoming a burden or dealing with that burden, and pity.

Ever notice how almost every film or tv show that is about disability or includes disabled characters is about those characters overcoming their disability, or succumbing to it? It's also about nondisabled people and how the disability is used as a plot device for their story.

These films and television shows contribute to more fear about disability, because the idea is nobody would want to be like us. This has long term consequences for how disabled people are treated, the legislation passed about us, and the accommodations we receive.

As disabled people, we understand there is more to our lives than just being disabled, but we also realize being disabled is not something we often can ignore.

The film industry can never truly be inclusive if disabled people never get to tell our stories. We are parents. We are lovers. We are friends. We are supporting characters. We are leading characters. We are background characters and extras in the story of life. include us.

Just make sure to also cast disabled people when you do.