National media company vows to increase disability representation
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s Dear Everybody campaign continues to gain momentum as Bell Media, one of Canada’s largest and most connected media companies, signs the movement’s Agreement. In its fourth year, Dear Everybody aims to eliminate disability stigma, especially for kids and youth. The Agreement is the signatory’s commitment to cultivate a media landscape that is more inclusive.
“I’m delighted to share that we have been able to garner support from another one of Canada’s biggest media networks,” said Sandra Hawken, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview Foundation. “Bell Media is entrenched in our country’s TV, radio, digital and Internet spaces, and they will assuredly help bring widespread attention to the importance of disability inclusion. I’m excited to build upon our partnership, and I thank them for taking a stance and joining our movement.”
Over the years, Bell Media properties like CTV News Toronto and BNN Bloomberg have been supporters in helping share stories from the Holland Bloorview community. Today Sandra Hawken was interviewed on Your Morning to speak about the campaign and partnership with Bell Media.
“Inclusion and diverse representation are of paramount importance to us at Bell Media, so it is with pride and honour that we sign the Dear Everybody Agreement. Holland Bloorview has challenged those of us with a voice in the media, and it is a challenge we embrace,” said Nanci MacLean, Vice-President, Bell Media Studios and representative on Bell’s Diversity Leadership Council. “We take our role in cultivating an environment that is stigma-free very seriously, and including more people with disabilities in our content is a step we can take to help support that.”
Others signatories include BMO, Capital One, CBC, CIBC, General Mills, The Globe and Mail, the Government of Ontario, Reitmans, Rogers, Rogers Sports & Media, Roots, Scotiabank, TD and Toyota.
Visit DearEverybody.ca and follow Holland Bloorview’s social media channels for more on the campaign and how you can help end disability stigma.
