A series of documentaries, news packages, dramas, and discussions are set to hit our screens on BBC this month in celebration of 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed. The Act, which was replaced by the Equality Act 2010, protects people with disabilities being discriminated against because they’re accompanied by an assistant, trained animal, or a use equipment or an aid, such as a wheelchair or mobility aid. We’ve taken a look into what’s on over the next four weeks:
The Criptales Series
A new series of short monologue films, curated by Mat Fraser, aims to challenge the perceptions of individuals living with a disability. Each monologue is written and performed by various disabled actors and artists. The short films are said to funny, emotional, and unflinching in an attempt to portray what it’s like to be disabled in Britain today. Showing on BBC4 during the first week of November, these will also be available on BBC iPlayer after this.
Bartholomew Abominations
Featuring a fantastic cast of disabled and non-disabled actors, Bartholomew Abominations aims to reflect on the narrow-minded disability discrimination over the 21st century and the changing views of citizenship, identity, and belonging. Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 3 pm on 7th November.
The Disordered Eye
Is good eyesight a prerequisite for great art? Disabled artist Richard Butchins takes a look at whether great vision equals great art and investigates modern and historical artwork through his visually impaired lens. The BBC four documentary raises questions about disability and art and how disabilities change an individual’s perception of the world but also can add a fresh dimension. Airs 4th November at 9 pm on BBC4.
The Disability Paradox
This new film showcases fundamental questions in life about what makes individuals happy and what drives humans to improve their quality of life. It takes a look into the perceptions non-disabled have about disabled people’s quality of life and how science and surveys suggest that these opinions are very wrong. A major question that is investigated in the film is ‘Can you truly be happy if you are disabled?’. Catch this documentary on BBC One, 9th November at 10:45 pm.
The Thirteen Million Club
Celebrating the 13 million + people in the UK that have some kind of disability, Lee Ridley hosts a variety of comedians in this comedy club like no other. This showcase will be attempting to tell stories that most of the population have never heard, from human to hilarious. Airing on BBC Radio Four on 24th November at 11:00 pm.
There will be lots more going on throughout the month of November, from packages across their news channels and articles on BBC’s website to a Radio 5 Live phone-in and LinkedIn Live sessions. There will be discussions from lots of different angles, from different types of disabilities, or what it’s like to drive a mobility scooter. There’s lots to learn, disabled or not! The day after the anniversary the BBC will also publish the results of the YouGov survey which investigates how disabled people feel they fit into society.
