1in4 Coalition Schedules Second Edition of Disabled Writers Program

variety.com:

Tim Gray Senior Vice PresidentThe 1in4 Coalition is accepting applications for the second edition of its Disabled Writers Mentorship Program.

The first program launched in March, selecting 14 individuals who each had a complete script, pilot or play. Each mentee was matched with an industry artist or professional from companies such as CAA, Showtime and Shondaland.The 1in4 Coalition was unveiled in April 2021 to increase access, employment and authentic representation of disabled people; the group consists of disabled individuals.

One of its projects is 1in4 Writers, which is working to offset challenges facing disabled scribes, by providing access to feedback, resources and relationships in Hollywood, something that has generally proven inaccessible.

The program — inspired by the work of Dominique Nieves, writer and creator of the Read Latinx Writers Initiative — includes an advisory committee of disabled WGA writers Katherine Beattie, Marc Muszynski and David Radcliff.Radcliff, who is also program adviser and co-chair of the disabled writers committee at the Writers Guild of America West, says a recent study by WGAW “found only about 0.6% of our membership are openly disabled.