All of us have experienced the pandemic in different ways. Some experiences were challenging, heartbreaking, upsetting or outright horrible,; others were positive as new opportunities became available that were previously said to be impossible; and many somewhere in between. We want to showcase the diversity of experiences of the pandemic of disabled people.
As part of our British Academy funded project on the impact of Covid-19 on disabled people in the UK, we are making a documentary mini-series. The series will include 5 10-20 minute videos that will cover different aspects of the pandemic and its impact on disabled people. We want to capture first-hand experiences as well as professional insights. The final series will be published on YouTube and similar platforms.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for you, if you meet the following criteria
- 18+ years old
- are disabled (any long-term physical, sensory, cognitive or mental health condition or long-term illness)
- Ideally live in London, Surrey, Berkshire, West Sussex
- are happy to talk about your personal and/or professional experience of the pandemic
- be available for filming in February, early / mid-March, late April or early May (please note you do not need to be available during all of these times but just at any time during this time). Filming can take place weekdays or weekends based on your preference.
What it involves?
You will be talking to a camera or doing an interview-style conversation, based on your preference. We will also film some general footage of you (e.g., doing your work, engaging in household activities, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby)
Further information
Everyone who will be filmed for the documentary will receive a £100 gift voucher for a shop of their choice. (Please note the shop needs to allow online purchases of gift vouchers)
We aim to ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented. We encourage disabled people of all backgrounds and intersectionalities to come forward (gender, race, ethnicity, religion, LGBTQ+, gender identity, socioeconomic background). Everyone is welcome!
To ensure that disabled people can participate, we will aim to make this as accessible as possible . For instance, we can have a BSL interpreter on site to translate so that you can sign or have our questions translated.
According to your preference, the filming would take place inside or outside.
How to join?
Simply email our academic lead Anica on anica.zeyen@rhul.ac.uk