Netflix funds performance diploma for learning disabled and autistic creatives

A two-year performance diploma aimed at learning disabled and autistic creatives has received financial backing from Netflix.

The Performance Making diploma, led by Access All Areas (AAA), is billed as the world’s only course designed for and by learning disabled and autistic creatives and has been hosted and co-delivered by Royal Central School of Speech and Drama since its inception in 2013.

The programme is designed to foster confidence, community and wellbeing among students. Classes forming part of the diploma are all co-led by professional learning disabled or autistic creatives. Netflix has said it will fund the course for the next two years.

“Doing the diploma I learned to embrace who I am. To embrace my disability and be empowered by it,” said diploma graduate and AAA co-chairperson Charlene Salter. “Now, I want to be a role model for learning disabled and autistic artists.”

A survey of diploma students found 80% reported an increase in confidence from the programme, 75% said their communication skills improved and 70% noted an increase in independence. 

‘Ongoing commitment’

Anne Mensah, vice president of content at Netflix UK, commented that deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creators are some of the least represented groups on television. Research has indicated that 8% of onscreen characters are disabled, compared to around 20% of the UK population.

Mensah said Netflix’s two-year funding pledge forms part of its “ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive creative industry”.

“[We] can’t wait to see what this next generation of storytellers and creatives brings to the industry,” Mensah said.

Since the launch of the diploma, 79% of graduates have gone on to secure professional creative work, with companies including Sky Studios and BBC and theatres including National Theatre, Old Vic and Royal Court.

Applications to join the next cohort open today (6 May) and close on 24 June.