‘CBS Performers With Disabilities Talent Initiative’ Aims To Increase Opportunites

deadline.com:

Historically underrepresented performers will have increased opportunities on television, beginning in the 2022-2023 broadcast season, thanks to the “CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative,” announced today.The CBS Network aims to create what it terms “meaningful representation and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, including performers with disabilities.” The opportunities are envisioned in series regular, guest star or costarring roles in current series and pilots, playing characters specifically written with a disability, as well as roles that do not specify one.“By focusing on professional growth and supporting these performers, this initiative helps to provide opportunities and much-needed exposure in the industry,” said Claudia Lyon, executive vice president of talent and casting at CBS Entertainment. “There are so many talented performers available who are often overlooked and are not being considered for roles, so our goal with this initiative is to help bridge that gap.”She cited support from Eric Goldberg, director of talent and casting, and Rosalie Joseph, Marva Smalls, EVP, global head of inclusion at Paramount and EVP of public affairs, kids and family entertainment brands at Paramount, and Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, executive vice president of entertainment diversity and inclusion at Paramount.In 2019, CBS was the first network to sign the Ruderman Family Foundation’s pledge to increase the audition opportunities for performers with disabilities.

The pledge also sought to improve the portrayal of disabilities in television by increasing the number of roles that cast actors with disabilities.As part of the new initiative, CBS created an expanded database of performers with disabilities in