Reimagining Hollywood – A New Lens On Disability Inclusion | In Partnership With Easterseals Disability Services & Film Independent
HOW BEING EDUCATED ABOUT INCLUSION HELPED SHAPE HRTS CEO MELISSA GREGO’S EXAMPLE OF AUTHENTIC, DELIBERATE LEADERSHIP WHILE NAVIGATING HER OWN NEWLY-ACQUIRED DISABILITY
Melissa Grego, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, has spent her career breaking barriers and advocating for inclusion. As the CEO of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS), she has worked tirelessly to elevate disability inclusion in Hollywood, an initiative shaped by her personal experience and partnership with Easterseals.
In 2017, HRTS recognized the importance of disability inclusion as a natural progression in its broader diversity efforts. Through initiatives such as a panel featuring Disney, Amazon MGM Studios, and other industry leaders, Grego has helped bring critical conversations to the forefront.
Partnering with Easterseals, HRTS created a comprehensive resource guide, providing members with an in-depth look at the opportunities, challenges, and professional development available around disability inclusion.
Together, HRTS and Easterseals have been pivotal in advancing inclusion efforts. By providing a special report and resource guide, this partnership has empowered leaders at studios, networks, and others across Hollywood to engage meaningfully with disability inclusion. Grego’s leadership has been instrumental in creating spaces for these conversations and driving change within the industry.
“Disregard people with disabilities and fail to accommodate them at your own peril,” Grego said in a recent interview, highlighting the imperative for inclusion in business. Her personal experience with disability, having recently acquired one herself, has deepened her understanding and commitment to these efforts. “I’ve learned so much, and that’s helped me in my own experience,” she reflected. “Learning about disability inclusion through our partnership with Easterseals equipped us with the knowledge to approach this new reality from an inclusive perspective.”
Grego’s transparency about her disability and her deliberate approach to leadership has set a powerful example. As she navigates chronic health issues and limited mobility, Grego continues to lead with authenticity. Her ability to balance her professional responsibilities while managing her health has inspired her colleagues and demonstrated the importance of community support. “People with disabilities are operating in our industry with unique obstacles,” she noted, adding that this often makes them remarkable problem solvers.
Looking ahead, Grego envisions a Hollywood where disability inclusion is the norm, not the exception. She believes systemic change is possible through continued collaboration between the entertainment industry and organizations like Easterseals. “There’s an appetite for doing better,” she said. “We’re all going to make money the more authentic and inclusive we operate.” For Grego, the path forward involves not just creating opportunities for people with disabilities but also ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in every aspect of production.
Under Grego’s leadership, HRTS is committed to driving this change and continuing its work with Easterseals. Together, they’re building a future where the entertainment industry reflects the diverse world we live in—and hope for a world where people of all abilities can thrive.
Read the full report HERE.