Hollywood has the power to shape culture, and that means it also has the power to shape how we think about disability and access. Sometimes, they get it right. Other times? Let’s just say… not even close.
So what does accessibility actually mean in film?
When They Get It Right
Authentic Representation
Disabled characters played by disabled actors. It shouldn’t be groundbreaking, but it is. From “CODA” to “Sound of Metal,” we’ve seen a shift toward more lived-experience storytelling, and it matters.
Access-First Screenings
Open captions. Audio descriptions. ASL interpreters for premieres and ASL versions on streaming platforms. These are not “bonus features.” They’re essentials for making film inclusive.
Inclusive Storylines
When disability isn’t the punchline or the plot twist, but just part of the human experience. That’s when the industry gets closer to true access.
When They Miss The Mark
Inspiration Porn
If your movie turns a disabled person into a tool for someone else’s emotional growth, we’re not clapping.
Accessibility as Afterthought
Adding captions after the release, or skipping them entirely? That’s not inclusion–that’s exclusion.
Cringe Tropes
“Cured by love,” “falls on deaf ears,” “tragic burden,” “supercrip.” These stereotypes don’t reflect reality–they reinforce stigma.
Accessibility Behind the Camera
Access isn’t just about the content — it’s also about who gets to create it. True inclusion means:
- Hiring disabled creatives, consultants, and crew.
- Providing accessible sets, call sheets, and casting.
- Building space for multiply-marginalized disabled talent to lead and shape stories.
Hollywood has the resources. It’s time they use them to center real access — not just perform it.
What We’d Love to See Next
- ASL-fluent characters played by Deaf actors (no, not dubbed over).
- Fully accessible film festivals — not just with ramps, but with captioned panels and inclusive networking.
- More disabled people in executive roles. Let’s greenlight some stories from the inside out.
If your idea of accessibility is still stuck in the credits section — it’s time to rewrite the script. At dozanü, we know access is the story. The whole story. Want your next campaign, event, or creative launch to be actually inclusive?
Let’s make it accessible from the first draft.
