Netflix has teamed up with Virginia-based disability advocacy group RespectAbility to launch a new program designed to give disabled TV writers, animators and executives some industry experience.

The Children’s Content Lab will run online and in person (New York) from October 17 to November 17, providing training and networking opportunities to selected applicants who are pursuing a career in preschool and children’s TV. The program also includes learning sessions and networking with 9 Story Media Group and Silvergate Media, both of which have shows on Netflix.

Up to 15 applicants will be accepted to participate in the free lab, and 9 Story and Silvergate plan to share insights on hiring, writing and diversity & inclusion initiatives throughout the five weeks. Also on the agenda are mentoring meetings, sessions touching on when and how to disclose disabilities, and a closing content showcase with table reads.

The initiative is a big step into kids content for RespectAbility. Since 2015, the nonprofit has worked to connect multiple production companies with talented up-and-comers who have disabilities. In that time, it has seen the need for the program grow.

It can be hard for studios to find creatives who can contribute their lived experiences to writers rooms and animation development processes. But this is especially important in children’s content, says Lauren Appelbaum, SVP of communications at RespectAbility.

“With one in five individuals living with a disability, it is vitally important that disabled children see themselves represented on screen, and for non-disabled children to see disabled peers being fully involved in community life,” says Appelbaum. “The best way to do this is to ensure disabled individuals have the opportunity to create content as writers, animators, and creative executives.”

Applications for the Children’s Content Lab can be submitted through the RespectAbility website until September 2. A panel that includes former Nickelodeon casting director Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick, 9 Story’s senior research and curriculum manager Noriko Louison and Exodus Film Group COO and head of business affairs Delbert Whetter will review them and choose the final participants.

This initiative is an evolution of the nonprofit’s work over the last three years to build an annual entertainment lab for disabled creatives who make content for adults. Graduates from that program have gone on to work at studios such as Disney and DreamWorks.

Netflix is funding the Children’s Content Lab through its Fund for Creative Equity, which was also tapped to launch a US$1-million commitment to Sub-Saharan African film and TV students in January.

Photo courtesy of Venti Views via Unsplash.