Wouldn’t it be great
if our disability community had a 24 hour TV channel by and for people
with disabilities? Good news. In the near future, we will. It will
be called [with]tv.
Howard Renensland conceived the idea for [with]tv in
response to his daughter Victoria’s experiences. Victoria was born with developmental
disabilities, and Renensland has always advocated for her inclusion
in the world. As a young adult, Victoria has run into many obstacles
to employment. She tried a bookstore position, but she didn’t
feel challenged. Also, the managers would only assign her to work
eight hours each week and paid her $8 per hour.
Renensland wanted his daughter to have rewarding, challenging
work in a supportive, inclusive environment. He decided to start
a company where Victoria and other folks with disabilities could
experience an empowering workplace. He wanted to start a TV channel
because of the media’s power to affect public perceptions.
Renensland plans to show programming that portrays those with disabilities
in a positive light.
Renensland, who incorporated [with]tv in 2006, says
the company is “devoted
to providing television and internet programming of, by, and for people
with disabilities.” Although not yet on the air, the company
has taped some pilot shows. Their programming will include sports,
news, drama, comedy, reality, movies, concerts, variety and shopping.
One news show will be called “A Different Perspective.”
All the programs and even commercials will be accessible for those
with hearing or vision difficulties. The channel will have captioning,
narration, and be screen-reader accessible. Renensland plans to start
broadcasting on the Internet, and then expand to television. Eventually
[with]tv will have programs running 24 hours each day.
As a part of the new broadcast endeavor, Renensland founded the nonprofit
company People with Disabilities Broadcasting Corporation. PBDC will
train those with disabilities to work at [with]tv in entertainment
careers, as writers, as well as make-up, hair, camera and script consultants.
PBDC and [with]tv aren’t set up to train or hire
yet, but they are accepting resumes. Also, volunteers are welcome
and appreciated.
Victoria Renensland is excited about the [with]tv station. “I
dream about having my own TV show and calling it Victoria’s
TV Show.”
If you want to check out
the soon-to-be TV channel plans, go to www.with-tv.com They
request that you sign their guest book. ![]()
