Casting Directors:
Let’s Breakdown Your Breakdown.

Okay, so you're writing a part on a breakdown
that goes something like this: “Age 25-35 
attractive businesswoman, all ethnicities okay.”

A businesswoman in a wheel-chair would work. 
Or with a guide dog might work too. But you 
don't go there. You just ... don't go there.

It’s not your fault that people with disabilities 
aren’t getting cast in TV and films.

Or is it?

V.A.S.S. CAN HELP
First, we’re working with producers at the highest 
level to see that at least one request per 
breakdown reads "physical disability okay" or 
"mental disability okay." 

That doesn’t mean each part is appropriate for 
both groups. 

Maybe a wheel-chair user wouldn’t work as a 
gymnast. Or a Down's syndrome actor wouldn't 
work as a physicist. (Or would they? Hmmm…)

In other words, we’re giving you support from 
the top to get more requests for people with 
disabilities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP, TOO
If we’re going to get people with disabilities well 
represented on screen, then we need you to think
outside the box.

Maybe the part of a judge or lawyer in court. A 
hearing impaired person might work there. Or 
someone who's visually impaired. You decide. 

Or better yet, ask for actors to be sent along and 
let the director and rest of the production staff 
decide.

WE WANT YOU TO LOOK GOOD
In the end, you have to feel confident requesting 
people with disabilities.  We know that. And we’re 
working to make that not only a reality but also 
the norm for the industry.

Together we can get more of these fine actors 
cast, and most of all, get all the higher-ups asking 
you for more and more.