The Disability Screen Office (DSO) has tapped Alethea Bakogeorge as its director of programs and development.

Bakogeorge is a physically disabled access professional, fundraiser and actor with cerebral palsy. As part of her remit, she will be supporting existing programs, including a research pilot project to develop a best practices guide to disability engagement in the Canadian film and TV industry; an industry resource centre; and a screen festival accessibility program.

Prior to joining the DSO, she was director of development and performing arts for the National accessArts Centre in Calgary.

She previously worked in fundraising and access for The Musical Stage Company in Toronto, where she was the first full-time accessibility manager to be appointed at an Ontario theatre company.

The DSO was formed in 2022 and works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and promote disability representation on and off the screen.

“Alethea’s impressive background in accessibility, fundraising, and the performing arts, combined with her pioneering role at an Ontario theatre company, demonstrates her commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusion. [And] as an actor with experience in the screen industry, Alethea brings a unique and valuable perspective to our team,” said DSO executive director Winnie Luk in a statement.

Photo by Dahlia Katz