Bus Stop Films, a not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking to make the world more inclusive, delivering an award-winning Accessible Filmmaking Program for people living with intellectual disability or autism, has announced enrolments have opened for its 2026 workshop program.
Bus Stop’s Accessible Filmmaking Program, which began in Sydney in 2009, has steadily grown due to its transformative impact on its participants. In 2026 Bus Stop Films will roll out 22 workshops in 15 locations across Australia, including all capital cities, and key regional centers such as Launceston, Cairns, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour.
Delivered in partnership with Australia’s leading film schools, educational institutions, and community arts spaces, workshops are led by passionate filmmakers and disability support workers, the 40-week Program provides exclusive opportunities for young adults living with an intellectual disability or Autism to access a film school-like experience. Participants visit film production companies, work with professional filmmakers, learn both theoretical and practical approaches, and create short films while gaining social confidence, friendships and job preparedness. It is a great post school option for school leavers seeking skills development and employment pathways.
Projects made through the Accessible Filmmaking Program have been showcased at Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide in the USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand and broadcast on TV. Participants have had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with industry professionals on both sides of the camera including acclaimed Director Kriv Stenders (Red Dog) and renowned performers including Chloe Hayden and Dylan Allcott AM as well as Bus Stop’s very own Ambassador, celebrity chef Miguel Maestre.
Beyond their film industry exposure, participants also develop improved social, communication, and work-ready skills. Program participants, supported by Bus Stop Employment have gone on to work on projects such as Netflix’s Heartbreak High, The Assembly on ABC (now in season 2), Anyone But You starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder starring Chris Hemsworth and commercials for brands including Bonds, nib and Optus Bus Stop’s own feature film Boss Cat, which is currently in post production.
Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, CEO of Bus Stop Films, expressed her excitement at the program’s impact in both the disability and screen sector: “The program is at the core of what we offer to our participants and the broader community. Having this opportunity in national locations allows greater access to many people who could benefit from real time screen industry experiences, skill development and building lasting friendships from within the groups. Bus Stop’s strong network of program partners means people with disabilities can now engage in a skill building program in a nurturing and supportive environment.”
Laura Imbruglia – General Manager of Programs, Bus Stop Films, said: “Our Accessible Filmmaking Program represents everything we believe in at Bus Stop Films, that creativity can change lives, open minds and unlock possibilities. Over our 40-week program, we witness incredible transformation as participants with autism and intellectual disabilities discover their talents behind the camera, build lasting friendships, and develop real industry skills.
“With 100% of participants making new connections and over 70% reporting improvements in confidence and work-readiness, this program is proof that when we create inclusive spaces with the right support, extraordinary things happen. We are thrilled to be supported by a robust network of community and program partners nationally, who are deeply invested in being the change they want to see.
“We’re not just making films, we’re disrupting an industry where people with disability are vastly under-represented and creating pathways to meaningful participation and employment in the creative industries.”
To assist interested participants learn more about the program, Bus Stop is hosting a series of drop-in sessions across an Open Weekend, starting Saturday 18th October, together with a suite of online info sessions. To find your nearest open weekend activity head to our website,
Bus Stop Films are looking for participants to join the Accessible Filmmaking Program in 2026 so if you know anyone who is interested in filmmaking and is aged 17+ who lives with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities or autism visit their website to find out more information and enroll today.
Enrol now: https://busstopfilms.com.au/programs/
Enrolments close 9 January 2026.
