Hollywood

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about disability representation in Hollywood, with everyone from disabled actors, to film lovers, to celebrities weighing in with their opinions and experiences. Non-disabled actors are being slammed for playing disabled characters. Film companies are being pressured to be more inclusive. Celebrities are leading campaigns [...]

“Speechless” is a sitcom about a teenager and his wacky family who navigate the world of disability with heartfelt humor. Life has taught the DiMeos it’s OK to stand out and make the rules as they go. Scott Silveri wrote the show based on his own experiences growing up with a brother with cerebral palsy. [...]

Lauren Appelbaum is the communications director of RespectAbility, a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. At its heart, “Happy Face” is a film about a teenage boy, Stan (Robin L’Houmeau), attempting to reconnect with his mother who is dying from cancer. His mother, who often manipulates Stan, feels a sense [...]

As the 11th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival launches April 2 in New York at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, this is a good opportunity to let people know what ReelAbilities is all about and why it is so necessary. ReelAbilities is the largest film festival in the world dedicated to sharing the lives and stories [...]

The Bechdel Test for film and television has three criteria. To pass, there must be 1) two named female characters 2) who talk to each other 3) about something other than a man. The test “demonstrates how women’s complex and interesting lives are underrepresented or nonexistent in the film industry.” Like women, people with disabilities [...]

Throughout my life I have come across multiple obstacles due to having a disability. Now as a disabled person who has a job, I want to help other disabled people who can’t hold traditional jobs due to the limitations of their disabilities find employment and succeed. Since I know disabled people come in all shapes [...]

Within the rollercoaster ride that is the Sundance Film Festival, this year’s festival had one clear takeaway: Sundance is taking diversity seriously and crafting a change in our society. The entire film industry and beyond is engaged in the cultural conversation concerning equality and inclusion. Often, efforts made by organizations can be superficial and merely [...]