Where are all the disabled creatives? PLUS Who benefits from DEI AI?
Where are all the disabled creatives?
Just 2% of adverts feature disabled people.
Why? One of our core beliefs is 'who makes the work shapes the work'. Over the last two months we've unpacked many findings about why disabled people find entering and staying in the sector a challenge.
We bring together four leading activists in this space to discuss a road map and action plan for change, We'll cover the lived experiences of disabled creatives, how to engage and celebrate disabled talent, recognise the barriers and provide expert insight on how to show allyship and advocacy.
This is one discussion you won't want to miss!
Featuring:
Sulaiman R. Khan (سلیمان رشاد خان), FRSA, Founder and Chief Radical Officer of ThisAbility Ltd
Samantha Renke, Actress, presenter, speaker, writer and disability rights campaigner
Sam Phillips, senior EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) professional and Valuable500 Trustee
Dr Josh Loebner, Global Head of Inclusive Design and disability advocate.
All ticket sales are donated to charities supporting Disabled communities.
'Less' abled? Just say 'disabled'.
Recently, a Boots store in Norwich, Norfolk used a euphemism for 'disabled' in their parking signage, implying disabled people are... 'less'. Shoppers took to social media to their anger over the choice of phrase. 'Less abled' implies that people with disabilities are inferior, perpetuating negative and damaging stereotypes and attitudes that prevent them from being included and feeling like they belong. Many people identify as disabled, and often, those who are uncomfortable with the phrase are those who are non-disabled and hold outdated ableist notions. Boots listened - and acted quickly. By the end of the day, the Norwich team had changed the sign to 'Accessible Parking Bay'.
It is our society that disables disabled people. Not the other way around. It's our job to make it accessible.
Representation and DEI matters in marketing
Research shows organisations with more diverse and inclusive ads are reaping the profits of their DEI investment. Not only did the stock prices go up of those organisations who took a clear stand on inclusion and diversity, but those same organisations had a 69% business performance improvement, and their brand preference rates increased by 83%. Inclusion is always the right things to do AND representation has a clear ROI.
We run bespoke Inclusive Comms Audits where we work to understand your marketing strategy and content through a robust, targeted review. As an accredited Market Research Society partner, our data analysts and research team will work with you to understand your unique business needs.
Well review your current campaigns, online presence and customer comms with an inclusion and diversity lens. You’ll get a detailed report highlighting your communication strengths and areas for potential improvement. Got a storyboard or concept you're unsure about? We've got you.
Get in touch to find out how we can help your comms be more inclusive and representative.
Levi's: leveraging AI Models instead of hiring real, diverse talent...
There’s always been controversy surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and an announcement from one of the world’s biggest fashion brands has only added fuel to the already unruly fire.
Recently, Levi’s announced its partnership with an AI studio to create customised AI models for its online platform. In its press release, Levi’s said the AI models would be used to 'supplement human models' and increase the 'number and diversity of models' in a way that’s sustainable. The backlash was instant.
AI is a cost-saving measure and even with all the best intentions, an idea borne out of bottom-line thinking will never create equity for the people who need it the most.
Despite many organisations claiming to be committed to creating more equal, fair and just societies, few, it would seem, are actually willing to invest the necessary resources. As financial pressures ramp up and budgets are squeezed, the say/do gap is only set to widen.
In any situation like this, we have to ask: who benefits?
The answer: those who are developing AI, the tech investment community, who are mostly privileged and male-dominated. In systems of oppression, it is the bias in the system that always serves dominant groups. There is no equity in the wealth distribution of AI, so Levis, it's a no from us.
Start spreading the news... like to meet in NYC?
Yes, after the success of our London workshop, we're going stateside with our signature workshop 'Rewiring the Creative Process for Inclusion' to NYC with Henry Stewart's 'Creative Operations' conference (yes, DEI IS a key part of operations).
To begin the event, we're holding a dynamic three-hour DEI workshop on Wednesday, May 24, 9.30-12.30pm that focuses on understanding the creative process and embedding inclusion-first thinking into it. Through interactive discussions, you'll explore how to rewire the creative process to produce authentic content that deeply resonates with our audiences. We'll interrogate work, and co-design a better, more inclusive system.
If you'd like to join us, send us a note. Or if you'd like to meet us for a chat, drop us a line!
Enjoy your week!
The CE Team