Disabled people are typically vastly underrepresented in the world of television and film. When disabled people have featured on the big and small screen in recent years in popular programmes like ‘The Last Leg’ and ‘The Undateables’, and in films such as ‘The Theory of Everything’ and ‘Me before You’, is this representation accurate and fair?

Come and join in the discussion with an exciting panel of speakers including:

Adam Pearson, Actor and Television Producer

Adam worked as a TV Researcher, including casting ‘The Undateables’ (Channel 4), before becoming a presenter. He has fronted the critically acclaimed BBC Three documentaries, ‘The Ugly Face Of Disability Hate Crime’ and ‘Adam Pearson: Freak Show’. Adam also appeared in the BAFTA-nominated film, ‘Under The Skin’, directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Scarlett Johansson.

Ramy El-Bergamy, On-screen Diversity Executive at Channel 4

Ramy’s focus is on delivering on the commitments in Channel 4’s 360 degree Diversity Charter. He works in partnership with Commissioning at Channel 4 to ensure the best people are being recruited onscreen from the widest possible pool. Prior to joining Channel 4, he worked in casting for a broad range of programmes including Big Brother and The Voice.

Helen Bullough, Head of CBBC Production

Helen leads a large and multi-platform in house production team, creating 360 degree content for 6 to 12 year olds around award winning brands like Newsround, The Dumping Ground, Blue Peter, Wolfblood, Absolute Genius, 4 O’Clock Club and Marrying Mum and Dad.

Professor Dan Goodley & Dr Kirsty Liddiard, University of Sheffield

Dan specialises in theorising and challenging the conditions of disablism. Kirsty researches disability, intimacy and austerity.

Photo: Andy Weekes