NBCUniversal Pledges to Audition Actors With Disabilities

Author: Ian C. Langtree - View Credentials
Published: 29 Jan 2021 - Updated: 4 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information reports that NBCUniversal joined the Ruderman Family Foundation's call to audition actors with disabilities for every new studio production, part of the foundation's campaign to improve how disability is portrayed in film and television. The guidelines recognize disability as central to diversity and commit the company to increasing auditions for disabled performers, no matter the size of the role. The article also outlines the foundation's wider efforts, from a pledge signed by leading actors and directors to its Seal of Authentic Representation. It is useful for disabled actors, casting professionals and viewers who want media that reflects real life.

At a Glance

• 1 - The NBC drama This Is Us received the Ruderman Seal of Authentic Representation in November 2020.
• 2 - A 2019 foundation white paper found only 22 percent of disabled characters on TV were played authentically.
• 3 - The guidelines say increasing auditions, no matter the size of the role, is a critical step toward inclusion.
• 4 - Actors who signed a separate pledge included George Clooney, Joaquin Phoenix, Bryan Cranston and Mark Ruffalo.

Topic Definition

Authentic Casting

Authentic casting is the practice of casting actors who share a character's identity or lived experience, such as hiring a deaf actor to play a deaf character or a wheelchair user to play a character who uses a wheelchair. In disability representation it aims to end the long-standing practice of nondisabled actors playing disabled roles and to open more opportunities for disabled performers on and off screen.

Overview

NBCUniversal has joined the Ruderman Family Foundation's call committing to audition actors with disabilities with each new studio production. The major media and entertainment company's commitment continues the Foundation's campaign to improve the portrayal of disabilities in entertainment and increase the number of roles that cast actors with disabilities.

"NBCUniversal remains committed to creating content that authentically reflects the world we live in and increasing opportunities for those with disabilities is an integral part of that," said Janine Jones-Clark, Executive Vice President, Inclusion - Talent & Content, Film, Television & Streaming, NBCUniversal. "We are proud to join the Ruderman Family Foundation pledge as calls to action like theirs are important and hold the industry accountable of the work we still need to do in order to see systemic change."

The Ruderman Family Foundation's guidelines read:

• We recognize that disability is central to diversity, that the disability community comprises one of the largest minority groups in our country, and that people with disabilities face exclusion in front of and behind the camera.
• We understand that increasing auditions, no matter the size of the role, is a critical step towards achieving inclusion in the industry.
• The company will continue to increase the number of auditions for actors and actresses with disabilities in television and film.

NBCUniversal's commitment to authentic representation has previously been demonstrated in shows that include the likes of "Gone," "New Amsterdam," "Rise," "Chicago Med," "Law and Order: SVU," and "This is Us." The latter received the Ruderman Seal of Authentic Representation in November 2020.

"The Ruderman Family Foundation is thrilled to see NBCUniversal commit to our guidelines and dedicate themselves further to casting people with disabilities in their productions," said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. "By having such an influential entity like NBCUniversal take this bold stand, we hope to continue to see others join us in striving to create more opportunities for people with disabilities in entertainment."

Over the past five years, the Ruderman Family Foundation has spearheaded an effort to change the landscape in Hollywood for people with disabilities. The September 2020 announcement from the Academy Awards on new inclusion requirements for Best Picture, follows a partnership with the Foundation earlier in 2020 to ensure that aspiring young actors with disabilities are able to get a head start in the entertainment industry.

In addition to garnering the support of major studios, a separate Foundation-initiated pledge was signed by a host of A-list actors and directors which called on studio, production, and network executives to pledge to create more opportunities for people with disabilities. Among those who signed the pledge were Oscar winners George Clooney and Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar nominees Ed Norton, Bryan Cranston and Mark Ruffalo, actors Glenn Close and Eva Longoria, and Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly.

In July 2020, the Foundation partnered with Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer on a public service announcement calling on the entertainment industry again to increase the casting of people with disabilities, and also honored Taraji P. Henson with its 2020 Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion.

In 2019 the Foundation released a white paper showing that half of U.S. households want accurate portrayals of characters with disabilities, and despite that only 22% of characters with disabilities are authentically portrayed on television.

The Foundation has also been certifying movies and shows with its Seal of Approval for Authentic Representation, awarding 20 recipients with the Seal thus far. As a result of the Foundation's tireless work in the industry, it was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Disability Awareness Award at the Media Access Awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ruderman Family Foundation?

It is a U.S. philanthropic foundation that advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities, with a strong focus on representation in media and entertainment.

Why does authentic disability casting matter?

It gives disabled actors fair access to work, brings lived experience to performances and helps audiences see accurate portrayals of disability.

How can actors with disabilities find casting opportunities?

Many work with agents and casting directors who specialize in inclusive casting, join performer unions and use disability-focused talent databases and showcases.

What is the Seal of Authentic Representation?

It is a recognition from the Ruderman Family Foundation for films and TV shows that cast actors with disabilities in roles of characters with disabilities.

What new inclusion standards did the Academy introduce?

In 2020 the Academy announced standards for Best Picture eligibility that include representation of underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities, on screen and behind the camera.

Are there accessibility needs on film sets?

Yes. Productions may need accessible trailers and restrooms, step-free routes, sign language interpreters, flexible schedules and scripts in accessible formats.

Why are so few TV characters disabled?

Studies show disability is underrepresented compared with its share of the population, partly because writers and decision-makers rarely include disabled people.

How can viewers support disability representation?

Viewers can watch and share shows with authentic disabled casting, give feedback to networks and support disabled creators and writers.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Auditions are where casting decisions begin, and without them disabled actors never get the chance to compete for roles, including roles written as disabled characters. A public commitment from a major studio matters because it can shift routine practice across many productions, but pledges only work when they are tracked and followed through. Viewers benefit too: authentic casting brings lived experience to the screen and helps audiences see disability as a normal part of life rather than a plot device or a performance put on by a nondisabled actor.

Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is a writer, editor, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, which he established in 2004 as one of the longest-running independent resources for disability news and information. Over more than two decades, he has written and edited thousands of articles on disability rights, health, accessibility, and assistive technology. Drawing on a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed advocate of the Social Model of Disability, the framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that focuses on removing societal barriers rather than on individual impairments. His writing is grounded in that framework and in a lasting commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.