Need to put learning disabilities centre stage

THE pandemic deeply impacted the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism, leaving many of us more shut off from society than ever before.

We have a long way to go to increase representation – the 1.5m people in the UK with learning disabilities or autism are chronically underrepresented in the film and arts industry, both on and off screen.

The Oska Bright Film Festival, taking place this month, provides learning-disabled artists with a desperately-needed platform that allows us to be seen and heard.

Sixty per cent of people underestimate the number of people with disabilities in Britain, which means the barriers we face to being included in society are also not well understood. Representation has never been more important – we need to put learning disabilities centre stage.

Over the years, we’ve supported many incredible filmmakers and artists. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we hope to reach and educate a wider audience than ever before. We’re calling for people from all walks of life to get involved with the festival, so we can help increase representation once and for all. www.oskabright.org Matthew Hellett Festival Programmer, Oska Bright Film Festival