By Taimur Sikander Mirza

Canada’s public broadcaster is accepting applications for the second round of its AccessCBC program—which now has a dedicated stream for kids content. This initiative supports Deaf and disabled creators in Canada by providing them with pre-development training, mentorship and financing. 

In the kids stream, up to five individuals or teams (with at least one producer and one writer who are Deaf and/or have a disability) will be selected to receive a stipend of up to US$7,400 to create a pitch package. Interested creators should apply online by March 15.

AccessCBC is looking for content that would work well for the CBC Kids morning block or the broadcaster’s kids offerings on CBC GEM and YouTube. So the criteria is limited to short-form series (with episodes that are 11 minutes long or less) for four- to six-year-olds or six to 10s. Both animation and live-action concepts are eligible, and it’s open season as far as genres/themes are concerned.

“CBC Kids’ participation in this year’s AccessCBC program aligns with our mandate to reflect kids and families in Canada and their lived experiences. [This] offers us an opportunity to make new connections with emerging Deaf and disabled creators,” says Marie McCann, senior director of children’s content at CBC Kids.

The CBC launched its AccessCBC program in 2022, originally partnering with the ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto and offering applicants two streams for scripted and unscripted content. (The unscripted stream will now have a slightly different focus on Deaf and/or disabled creators who are currently working with the CBC as part of its Creator Network.) 

The Disability Screen Office has also come on board as a new partner this year. This Canadian nonprofit org is working to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster authentic and meaningful disability representation throughout the Canadian screen industry.

Image: Shutterstock

A version of this story originally appeared in Kidscreen Daily’s sister publication Playback Daily.