Access Coordination
Inclusive practice, done properly.
We embed access across the full life of your project — from development through to delivery. Queensland-based, nationally operating. One of Australia's few dedicated specialists in Access Coordination for screen and the arts.
Book a free consultationWe've worked with
Film & Screen
From script development through to post, marketing, and release — we remove barriers, reduce risk, and support Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent cast and crew to do their best work.
Development
Script & writing
Embed accessibility and best-practice representation at the page, before issues get costly.
From $1,000 + GSTWhat's included
Supports
- Review of tone, language, and representation
- Identification of outdated or harmful terminology
- Guidance on portraying DDN characters with authenticity
- Early flagging of access considerations for later production
- Advice on an accessible writers' room
Best suited for
- Projects in development, funding applications, or early writers' rooms
Pre-production
Access planning
Identify access needs early and embed them into pre-production decisions. Planning is half the battle.
From $3,500 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Eligibility assessment for access funding (JobAccess, EAF)
- Advice on accessible travel and accommodation
- Confidential, individualised access plans
- Access consultations with Heads of Department
- Location access audits with practical recommendations
Best suited for
- Productions with DDN cast or crew confirmed or anticipated
- Projects with multiple locations or complex logistics
Production
On-set coordination
Coordinate access needs for cast and crew on the floor — reducing risk and keeping production moving.
From $5,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Access-aware safety and evacuation protocols
- Easy-read and accessible production documentation
- Confidential coordination with DDN cast and crew
- Budget-conscious, tailored access solutions
- On-call support for unforeseen access issues
Best suited for
- Productions with DDN cast or crew, or complex locations
Post-production
Post & delivery
Keep workplaces and workflows accessible after the shoot wraps, through to delivery.
From $1,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Advice on accessibility of post workplaces and workflows
- Support for post crew with disclosed access requirements
- Guidance on accessible post facilities and remote workflows
- Continuity of access planning from production into post
Best suited for
- Projects engaging DDN editors, sound designers, or post teams
Release
Marketing review
Audit press and public messaging before release — the highest-risk moment for reputational damage.
From $1,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Review and advice on tone and language across press and marketing
- Guidance on best-practice inclusive communications
- Identification of reputational risks prior to release
- Recommendations to strengthen clarity and audience trust
Best suited for
- Projects preparing for festival, broadcast, or public release
Casting
Inclusive casting
Reach the widest possible talent pool with safe, accessible, respectful audition processes.
From $500 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Guidance on inclusive casting call-out language
- Advice on accessible audition formats (in-person, self-tape, hybrid)
- Assessment of audition locations for accessibility
- Guidance on disclosure and confidentiality during casting
Best suited for
- Productions casting DDN performers or running open call-outs
Access works best when it starts early
development
production
production
release
"As the Access Coordinator on Spit, Steph provided knowledge and expertise that allowed a key cast member from the Deaf community the freedom to focus on her acting role whilst knowing she was supported throughout the production. I highly recommend Steph for Access Coordination — her work was excellent."
— Trish Lake, Producer, Freshwater Pictures (Spit)Events
Up to 1 in 5 potential attendees may be excluded from your event right now. We work alongside producers to plan, coordinate, and support access needs — before and during your event.
Small / first-time
Event access advice
Early-stage guidance to identify access risks and set your event up correctly from the start.
From $1,500 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Review of event communications tone and language
- Desktop access review of venues (plans, photos, specs)
- Identification of key access risks and barriers
- Practical recommendations document
Best suited for
- Small or first-time events, pilots, or teams seeking clarity before locking plans
Single-day events
Full access planning
Comprehensive planning to ensure your event is inclusive, compliant, and operationally ready.
From $3,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Communications tone and language review
- Access audit of physical venues and event spaces
- Individualised access planning for delegates (as required)
- Access consultations with the event team
- Guidance on accessible travel and accommodation
Best suited for
- Single-day conferences, screenings, public-facing events, funded programs
Add-on
Event day support
On-the-ground coordination during your event, with real-time support and issue resolution.
From $1,500 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- On-call Access Coordinator during event hours
- Delegate-facing support for attendees with access needs
- Real-time troubleshooting of access issues
- Liaison with venue staff and event team
Note
- Available following Event Access Advice or Full Access Planning
3–4 day events
Comprehensive coordination
Integrated access coordination across both planning and delivery.
From $7,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Full event access planning
- 2–3 days of on-site access coordination
- Extended delegate support
- Increased stakeholder and venue liaison
Best suited for
- Multi-day conferences, festivals, and high-profile public events
5+ days / multi-venue
Major event access
Embedded access coordination for large-scale or high-risk events.
From $10,000 + GSTWhat's included
Includes
- Pre-event access planning and advisory
- Embedded coordination across the event duration
- Multi-venue oversight
- Scalable delegate support aligned to audience size
- Senior-level risk oversight and issue management
Best suited for
- Festivals, touring programs, government-backed and large public events
"Steph has been an integral part of Screen Forever for the past two years. Her guidance has given our team confidence in delivering an event where attendees living with disability are genuinely included and able to participate in all aspects of the program. We strongly encourage any events team to engage Steph's skills and expertise."
— Samantha Gill, Screen Producers Australia (Screen Forever)Theatre, Music & Advertising
Our access coordination extends across the wider arts and creative industries. Every engagement starts with a free initial consultation and a tailored approach.
Theatre
Embed access across rehearsals, performances, and front-of-house — whether your production includes DDN cast and crew, or you're making the work accessible to audiences.
Discuss your production →Music
From festivals and conferences to recording sessions and individual artists, we help ensure inclusive participation across the music industry.
Discuss your project →Advertising
Advertising carries high reputational risk around representation. We support agencies and brands to engage the DDN community respectfully and strategically.
Discuss your campaign →Who you'll work with
Dower Productions was founded by producer and Access Coordinator Stephanie Dower. Our work is led and delivered by facilitators and coordinators with lived experience as Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent artists and industry professionals.
That lived experience is the difference. It's why our advice is practical rather than theoretical, and why teams trust us to handle access with care, discretion, and genuine understanding.
More about us →Questions, answered
New to this? Start here. If your question isn't covered, a free consultation is the best next step.
What does an Access Coordinator actually do?
An Access Coordinator identifies and removes barriers so Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent people can participate fully — as cast, crew, delegates, or audiences. In practice that spans planning, audits, confidential individual access plans, on-the-ground support, and advising your team on best practice. It's a production role, not a tick-box exercise.
Do I need one if I don't have Disabled cast or crew yet?
Yes — often that's exactly the right time. Embedding access early (in scripts, casting, and planning) widens your talent pool, reduces last-minute costs, and protects you from risk. Waiting until someone discloses a need usually means scrambling and avoidable expense.
When should we bring you in?
As early as possible. Access works best woven through the whole project rather than bolted on. We can join at development, pre-production, or any later stage — but the earlier we start, the more we can prevent rather than fix.
Is there funding to help cover access costs?
Often, yes. There are targeted funding avenues such as JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), and we assess your eligibility as part of access planning. We'll help you understand what may be available before you commit.
Do you work outside Brisbane?
Yes. We're Brisbane-based but operate nationally, working both on-site and remotely with productions, festivals, and organisations across Australia.
How much will it cost?
Each service has a starting price listed above (all prices exclude GST), but the right scope depends on your project. The free initial consultation exists precisely so we can recommend an approach that fits your needs and budget — with no obligation.
Build your team's confidence
Delivered by facilitators with lived experience as artists and industry professionals. From "Don't be an A.R.S.E." to advanced inclusion frameworks.
All prices listed on this page exclude GST.