First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This June, we invite you to our online event with Michelle Teear.

With Michelle Teear, Training Manager at Accessible Arts, we will explore how the publishing industry can better serve writers with disabilities—and what this means for all authors. Michelle will address systemic barriers, demonstrate access rider strategies that benefit any writer needing accommodations, and discuss authentic representation versus tokenism in storytelling. She will also outline pathways that exist to help writers with a disability navigate through the publishing industry. Discover how inclusive publishing practices create better opportunities for everyone, while learning practical strategies for building supportive networks and reaching diverse audiences through accessible formats.

This event starts online at 12:30pm, via Zoom, and will run for 60 minutes. If there is time, we will take audience questions at the end. First Friday events are free and open to members and non-members, but RSVPs are essential. You can also submit a question for Susan in the ‘Additional Information – Order Notes’ section at Checkout.

If you have additional access needs please contact us at info@writingnsw.org.au or 02 9555 9757.

Registered attendees will receive a link to access this event prior to the start time.

Michelle Teear is responsible for the coordination of Accessible Arts training programs including bespoke, in-house and public courses. This role supports the delivery of their workshops and training events. Teear is an accomplished arts events and project manager, trainer, advisor, disability consultant and a visual artist. She is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community and contributing to an arts sector of greater inclusivity and diversity. As a practicing visual artist, Teear has been shortlisted for the Evelyn Chapman award, Mosman, Gosford and Paddington Art Prizes and completed a residency at Bundanon in 2020. She is a peer for Creative Australia and Museums & Galleries NSW. Michelle is represented by Straitjacket.