Heidi Gulka

M. Sc. (OT)- McMaster University, OT. Reg (BC)
Learning to be an advocate for increasing disability representation in film and television.

[1IN4 Coalition @1in4coalition]

Last year, CBS promised a visible ramp would be integrated into the Emmys stage, providing equal access for everyone at the ceremony. However, during the ceremony, there was NO ramp, excluding people with disabilities from accessing the stage.

[1IN4 Coalition @1in4coalition]

The #Emmys are next week! Will they be accessible?

#Emmys #TelevisionAcademy #DisabilityRepresentation #DisabilityAwareness #Hollywood #Media #FilmAndTV #Emmys2022 #Access #EqualAccess #Accessibility @TelevisionAcad

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

In our study exploring the experiences of actors with disabilities, two main themes emerged. The second image shows the relationship between themes and subthemes. More to come. #DisabilityInFilm #DisabilityInTelevision #DisabledActors #DisabilityInclusion #ActorsWithDisabilities

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

@1in4coalition please take a read :)

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

Excited to announce our article exploring the experiences of actors with disabilities has been published! @TheCJDS https://t.co/wCUTgY9eEM
#DisabilityInFilm #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledActors #DisabilityInTV #ActorsWithDisabilities

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

Have you or someone you know considered applying for the Canadian federal non-refundable disability tax credit?
Image description: A McMaster University study recruitment poster. At the top is clipart of 3 people sitting at a table. Below the title is in red and details in black.

[1IN4 Coalition @1in4coalition]

#DidYouKnow that there is currently only 1 LGBTQ character with a disability on streaming platform television programming? Streaming platforms need to improve #DisabilityRepresentation by showing authentic, intersectional disability stories.

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

We need more disability representation in film and television. This will help to create more accurate perceptions of disability within society. #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityInFilm #DisabilityInTV

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

The ways film and television portray disability have been shown to influence the perception of disability in those watching the programming. This is why accurate depictions of disability are so important #DisabilityInFilm #DisabilityInclusion

[1IN4 Coalition @1in4coalition]

Want to level up your digital event accessibility? Here's 4 tips:
1) Work with ASL interpreters
2) Hire a professional live captioner (don't rely on autocaptions!)
3) Describe what is happening on screen with audio description
4) Build in breaks into your run of show

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

@1in4coalition Take a look at some actionable steps that actors with disabilities suggested to improve the experiences of actors with disabilities in the film and television industry.

[Dr. Tara Packham @TaraLPackham]

@HGulka sharing strategies generated by actors with disabilities to enact change in the media industry #MacOT2021
@SRSMcMasterU #OT365
@ACTRAToronto

[Dr. Tara Packham @TaraLPackham]

*Disabled* actors experience mutiple barriers, including physical access, only being considered for 'disabled' roles, lack of systemic support and connections
@HGulka
# MacOT2021 @McMasterOT

[Dr. Tara Packham @TaraLPackham]

@McMasterOT students @HGulka & Hailey M initiated a research project examining the occupational experiences of actors with disabilities with support from @GewurtzRebecca - just some of the #innovation at #MacOT2021

[Dr. Tara Packham @TaraLPackham]

@HGulka sharing strategies generated by actors with disabilities to enact change in the media industry #MacOT2021
@SRSMcMasterU #OT365
@ACTRAToronto

[Dr. Tara Packham @TaraLPackham]

How is #Disability portrayed in media, and how does this perpetuate #Ableism ? Great work from @HGulka & Hailey M #MacOT2021 @SRSMcMasterU

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

"A diversity law that is exclusive of any community is not authentically diverse" #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityInFilm
https://t.co/6PD4CL5ORb

[David Radcliff @DavidRadcliff]

Dear #oscars - please keep this ramp every damn year and not just the 1 in 93 you happen to nominate a disabled director.

WE NEED TO SEE ACCESS TO THIS INDUSTRY IS POSSIBLE AND THAT OUR TALENT IS WELCOME NOT AS A ONE-OFF BUT AS A MATTER OF COURSE

Thanks! Have a great night

[David Radcliff @DavidRadcliff]

I’ve watched #Oscars nearly every year of my life. Eventually I started to wonder why there were never ramps to the stage - never #pwd folks on the red carpet. Subtext seemed to be we didn’t belong.

@JimLeBrecht is the first time I’ve ever seen a mobility device at the Oscars

[Heidi Gulka @HGulka]

Are you an actor with a disability who has experience auditioning or working in the Canadian film and television industry? Consider participating in this study. For more information email [email protected] #DisabilityInFilm #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityInclusion

[SAG-AFTRA @sagaftra]

“Diversity in the industry has an impact on stigma...the entertainment industry has to understand that disability is part of diversity...Authentic portrayal does have an impact on society."
- @JayRuderman