FORMAT: Upon purchase of a ticket you will be sent the link to view a recording of this workshop that was previously offered live on December 2, 2023.

DURATION: 1 hour and 45 minutes

TICKET PRICING: Tickets are available on a sliding scale basis for $39 and $49. BIPOC and/or disabled participants with financial need may request a $29 ticket (please email training@IPAinternational.org to request one of these reduced price tickets). 

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

People with disabilities experience the same romantic and sexual desires as people without disabilities, yet until recently, mainstream media has largely ignored, misrepresented, or made fun of those sexual desires. Since much of the general population is only exposed to disabled people through film and television, how can we, as industry professionals working to create their stories, tell them with nuance, insight, and respect? This course seeks to examine the ways in which film and television perpetuate stereotypes and what we can do as industry professionals to combat those stereotypes. 

This course is designed as an introduction and will cover:

• Defining numerous terms associated with disability and ableism

• Looking at various stereotypes about people with disabilities and intimacy

• Examining positive and negative examples in the media

• Exploring best practices when telling stories about people with disabilities

People who should take this course include:

• Working or aspiring intimacy professionals

• Working or aspiring screenwriters & playwrights

• Working or aspiring directors

• Working or aspiring producers

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Emily Goodson is deeply committed to reshaping the discourse surrounding intimacy, especially within the context of disability and sexuality. Her journey began at the age of 8 when she suffered a childhood brain injury, resulting in partial paralysis on the left side of her body. After her injury, Emily faced a host of emotional and physical challenges, achieved significant recovery, and emerged empowered to inspire and educate others. 

Emily now divides her time between New York City and Los Angeles, where she is involved in a diverse range of creative, educational, and writing projects. Her written work has garnered recognition, having been featured in the LA Times, as well as showcased in a photo gallery exhibit sponsored by Disability Rights Now and the Bold Beauty Project. In addition to her creative endeavors, Emily provides consulting services to help organizations build inclusive workplaces and address systemic talent challenges. She collaborates with a wide array of entities, including start-ups and major production companies, to foster a deeper understanding of how we develop intimacy and authenticity within ourselves and others.

Also joining the conversation is Sawyer VanVactor-Lee (they/he). Sawyer is an autistic transmasculine artist based in Portland, OR who specializes in uplifting queer and disabled stories with a trauma-informed approach. With a background in acting and teaching, his most recent avenue of storytelling has been through intimacy coordination. Struck by the deep need for this work, Sawyer started studying intimacy choreography in 2018. They are currently gaining their full certification for intimacy coordination in film and TV through  Intimacy Professionals Association.