Our Strategy

Easterseals In Entertainment

Easterseals is on a mission to change the way the world defines and views disabilities.  Entertainment has the ability to influence, inspire and shift people’s perceptions to advance social change. That’s why, we are actively working within the entertainment industry to expand disability representation through a number of Easterseals-driven initiatives and activities.

Easterseals engages with the entertainment industry to advance disability representation; bring tangible employment opportunities to people with disabilities; increase the volume of stories being shared; and applaud those who are doing the best work.

We are breaking down misperceptions and stigmas, and making certain people with disabilities are included in front of and behind the camera. Through this lens, Easterseals gives voice to the minority group that is the largest in population, yet most under-represented in media. One out of four people has a disability, either visible or invisible and it’s the one minority group we’re all likely to “join” at some point.

At the same time, we are enriching storytelling, giving deeper dimension to how we see ourselves, how we understand and empathize with other people.

Inclusion Matters

People with disabilities…

  • Make up the largest minority population – some 61 million people strong.
  • Their stories are meaningful, varied and too often go untold.
  • Are the most underrepresented population across entertainment and media, with too few opportunities afforded in front of or behind the camera.
  • Are depicted in less than 2.5% of on-screen speaking roles.
Space movie Cast and Crew group photo

Our Progress

Disability is part of our collective humanity; it touches all of us. We make a profound, positive difference in people’s lives everyday – it’s something Easterseals has been doing for more than 100 years. We provide an array of quality services for people with disabilities and their families, helping them to address life’s challenges, achieve personal goals, and realize their dreams. Our vision is to make Southern California the most inclusive place to live, the absolute, very best community for people with disabilities in the country.

And we’re starting right here in Hollywood, where Easterseals, together with our many entertainment partners, are giving voice to the most under-represented minority group, and yet the largest – people with disabilities.

We’re breaking down misperceptions and stigmas, and making certain people with disabilities are included in front of and behind the camera. We’re enriching storytelling, giving deeper dimension to how we see ourselves, and how we understand and empathize with other people.

Because stories matter.  Thanks to widespread support, we’re making real progress, like never before.  Together, we can change the way the world defines and views disability – and make it a more just, inclusive, representative and equitable place in the process.

Inclusion Makes Good Business

People with disabilities have an estimated buying power of more than $22 billion, and represent a virtually untapped market.

Between 2015 and 2018, companies that offered the most inclusive working environment for employees with disabilities outperformed their competitors, they:

  • Achieved an average of 28% higher revenue;
  • 30% greater economic profit margins; and,
  • Twice the net income of their industry peers.

About Easterseals Southern California

For more than 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties – make profound and positive differences in people’s lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals so that they can live, learn, work and play in our communities. With 2,800+ employees, 60+ service sites and hundreds of community partnership locations, ESSC assists more than 13,000 people, providing adult/senior day services; autism therapy; child development/early education; employment services, veteran employment support; independent living options; and more. Join us in changing the way the world defines and views disabilities at www.easterseals.com/southerncal.

We hope you’ll come to see Easterseals as your disability inclusion resource.

Reach out! We’d be proud to collaborate on your diversity and inclusion goals, whether in front of or behind the camera – or even at your office. We offer support in hiring people with disabilities, identifying, training, recruiting and coaching. And, we like to make connections, share insights and help navigate how best to engage the ever-growing and active group of talent and creatives with disabilities.