Webinar | Exclusive Preview - Disability Equality in Media

On 6 December 2023, as part of the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNESCO will host a webinar on the promotion of disability equality in the media. During this webinar, experts will shed light on different aspects of diversity, inclusion, and equity of persons with disabilities in the media. 

As one of the most marginalized social groups in the world, persons with disabilities are systematically excluded from media coverage. Audiences with disabilities often consume content in audio, video, text, or digital formats that does not meet accessibility requirements. In addition, media organizations provide limited accommodations in workplace for media professionals with disabilities. UNESCO is preparing the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media that aims to encourage the media to promote respect for inclusion, equality and the meaningful engagement and participation of persons with disabilities.

Participants will be presented with the first results of the work launched earlier this year to prepare the Practical Manual. The event will serve as an open platform to gather feedback from media professionals, persons with disabilities, experts, and other stakeholders on the proposed practical recommendations of the Practical Manual. Feedback will be collected through a dedicated online space created for consultations with registered users. A series of UNESCO Master Classes hosted by Ms. Sophie Morgan, Journalist, and Disability Rights Activist from the United Kingdom, will be screened at the event, as will other supportive messages from the prominent media professionals.

17.00 – 17.30 | Introduction to the Practical Manual and Master Class Video Series

• UNESCO Representative, Media Development and Media in Emergency Section, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO (Moderator)
• Exclusive Preview of UNESCO Master Class Video Series 

17.30 – 17.55 | Making Editorial Content and Media Programming Equitable

• Ms Kristin Gilger, Professor Emerita, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University (USA)
• Ms Laetitia Bernard, Journalist, France Inter, Regards Croisés (France)

17.55 – 18.10 | Production of Accessible Media Content 

• Mr Alireza Darvishy, Professor, Head, ICT-Accessibility Lab, ZHAW Zurich University of Engineering and Award Winner of UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize 
  for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Switzerland/Iran)

18.10 – 18.45 | Promotion of Inclusive Media Operations and Management Practices 

• Mr Agam Shah, Freelance Writer, Board Member, National Center on Disability and Journalism, Faculty Member, Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism (USA)
• Ms Laetitia Bernard, Journalist, France Inter, Regards Croisés (France)
• Mr Jürgen Menze, Technical Specialist, Disability Inclusion and Coordinator and Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN), International Labor Organization (ILO)

18.45 – 19.00 | Discussion