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Widespread testimony urges City Council to create production accessibility fund for film, TV and theater
Summary
Artists, casting directors, producers and disability advocates urged passage of Intro 13‑07, a proposed fund to cover accommodation costs and create production access coordinator positions so disabled artists can be hired and retained; witnesses described practical barriers, cost examples and data showing modest budget impacts.
Dozens of disabled artists, casting professionals, producers and nonprofit advocates testified in support of proposed City Council legislation known as Intro 13‑07, a film, television and theater accessibility fund designed to help productions pay for accommodations, production access coordinators and related hiring costs.
Speakers said the fund would remove an economic obstacle producers cite when they decline to hire disabled actors and crew — not because of talent but because they fear additional costs. "Access is not an upgrade. It is infrastructure," said actor James Caverly. "When access isn't built in, the cost is paid by us, disabled artists."
Why it matters: Witnesses argued that the accessibility fund would make hiring disabled performers and crew more feasible for productions of all sizes, strengthen New York's creative economy and increase authentic representation on stage and screen.
Witnesses and examples: Testimony included performers who worked on high‑profile productions and industry…
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