Calling all budding storytellers living with disability

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is actively seeking emerging content creators with disabilities to produce factual stories and content for its platforms. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), aims to recognize and amplify the voices of the 5.5 million Australians living with disabilities.

Selected content makers will be commissioned to create a series of factual stories and content to be published and broadcast across ABC platforms in observance of IDPwD on December 3. The call for submissions encourages creators to explore a wide range of important topics. Examples include the significance of including people with disabilities in the design of AI and media solutions, and addressing the under-representation of individuals with disabilities in senior leadership roles across business, politics, and corporate boards in Australia.

The ABC is particularly interested in hearing from content creators in regional and remote areas of Australia about the issues that matter most to them. While stories highlighting lived experiences are highly valued, the broadcaster also encourages creators to delve into diverse topics reflecting their personal interests. Special emphasis is placed on hearing from First Nations, regionally based, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTQ+ content creators.

All commissioned content makers will receive payment for their work. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be Australian residents over 18 years of age, possess lived experience of disability, and be available to work on their content between August 2026 and May 2027. Applicants are asked to pitch a non-fiction, original story idea, which could focus on community issues, challenging stereotypes, or confronting attitudes. The ABC is seeking pitches for various formats, including short-form video (2-3 minutes), audio packages (2-3 minutes), feature articles (800 words), and social media content such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook stories, reels, or photo essays.