Past Events

Read transcript
Read the report

Learn about new research from UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers. Explore the results of a new nationwide survey. What do disabled U.S. audiences think of representation on screen?

Speakers

• Amanda Aguero, Production Assistant, 2nd Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Stunt Woman and Actress; Alumna of 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab
• Maira Karan, Report Author and Developmental Psychology Ph.D. Candidate at UCLA
• Tatiana Lee, RespectAbility’s Senior Associate for Entertainment Media and Actress/Model
• Diane J. Wright, Screenwriter and a DEI-certified Creative Content Consultant; Alumna of 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab

Read transcript

Neurodiversity, system collaborations and transition services for youth with disabilities are some of the most cutting-edge topics in the wider world of disability employment. Fostering cooperation between different programs is critical for achieving transformative results for people with significant barriers to employment.

The Neurodiversity at Work programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute is built on a foundation of interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration. It offers critical lessons and emerging practices for other youth serving agencies, organizations, and programs. This webinar discussed in detail what makes Kennedy Krieger’s work successful. [continue reading…]

Kurt Yaeger

Actor and RespectAbility Lab alumnus Kurt Yaeger  discussed how creators, showrunners, and industry executives can ensure inclusion and allyship for actors with disabilities, using his personal experiences working on season 2 of Netflix’s sci-fi space drama Another Life as an example of best practice. Yaeger played Dillon Conner, a military engineer who lost one of his legs to an IED. Prior to this conversation, we encouraged you to watch the second season of Another Life, which premiered on October 14th. [continue reading…]

Kiah Amara

As we push for more authentic representation for disabled people on-screen, it’s important to push for more accessible sets and working environments for everyone behind the camera, Disability education in production, and community connections that bring authenticity to the stories we tell. RespectAbility Fellow, 2020 Summer Lab alum, and media industry activist, Kiah Amara led a session all about the ins and outs of Production Accessibility, and how to get started doing this work and ensuring accessibility for all! [continue reading…]

Read transcript

This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

This panel was a conversation with actor, James Caverly and ASL consultant, Douglas Ridloff, of Hulu’s hit murder mystery series, Only Murders in the Building, moderated by Deaf producer, writer, and director, Jevon Whetter (Flash Before the Bang). Together the group unpacked James’ recent experience as a Deaf actor portraying a Deaf character in Only Murders in the Building, and Douglas’ experience as an ASL Consultant on this show and other productions, in a discussion that highlighted current best practices in producing TV and film content with ASL dialogue, Deaf performers, and navigating space with Deaf characters.

This panel also explored some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into shaping one of the series’ most recent episodes, which was shot almost entirely in silence utilizing ASL and other forms of visual communication, and discussed the overall importance of authentic and inclusive storytelling when it comes to on-screen representation.

Featuring:

• James Caverly, Actor, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building
• Douglas Ridloff, ASL Consultant, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building
• Jevon Whetter, Producer, Writer and Director

Lesley Hennen

As disabled creatives, the process of balancing professional and personal goals while also keeping up with the many “to-do’s” of daily life can often feel overwhelming. Writer, producer, and RespectAbility’s Entertainment & News Media Associate Lesley Hennen led a workshop focused on intentional goal setting. Together we worked toward building a sustainable and achievable path towards our goals, while also sharing some tips and tricks to stay focused yet flexible when life inevitably gets in the way.

This event was part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

The entertainment and media space is challenging to navigate, especially when your identities are intersectional. This session was designed to create and cultivate connections among fellow disabled Black women creatives to support and learn from one another how to shine unapologetically through our work. This session was particularly designed to create a safe space for disabled Black women.

Tatiana Lee

This session was hosted by RespectAbility’s own Tatiana Lee, Senior Associate of Entertainment Media, Actor, Model, and Inclusion Influencer.

Throughout the month of October 2021, join RespectAbility for a series of virtual celebrations, panel conversations and networking opportunities as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Through a combination of forward-facing panels and breakout networking rooms, participants will learn about writing, directing, producing, self-advocacy and more. Please note that some sessions are open only to entertainment industry creatives who identify as deaf or disabled, as we seek to continue to build community. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit.

This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

To kick off RespectAbility’s NDEAM Entertainment Media Summit, attendees received an overview of who makes up the more than 60 million people who live with some form of physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health or other disability in America as well as statistics on the current state of disability representation in entertainment. They gained a basic understanding of best practices in language, as well as specific tropes commonly found in film and television to avoid. Self-advocates, allies, executives and creatives alike benefitted from this session, leaving with knowledge and best practices on how any one individual can effect positive change to fight stigmas of people with disabilities within their work.

Lauren Appelbaum and Vanni Le

This session was by RespectAbility’s Lauren Appelbaum and Vanni Le.

Throughout the month of October 2021, join RespectAbility for a series of virtual celebrations, panel conversations and networking opportunities as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Through a combination of forward-facing panels and breakout networking rooms, participants will learn about writing, directing, producing, self-advocacy and more. Please note that some sessions are open only to entertainment industry creatives who identify as deaf or disabled, as we seek to continue to build community. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit.

Read transcript
Download accessible PowerPoint

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have necessitated the shift to virtual services for many key educational, occupational and transitional service programs. As a part of the constellation of programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) support youth with disabilities during a critical time of their lives. Many states have been scrambling to manage the shift to virtual services and struggling to develop best practices to support client success.

Leaders in Tennessee’s vocational rehabilitation system have published a thorough best practice guide reflecting critical lessons and valuable insights gained about providing effective virtual Pre-Employment Transition Services. This free online learning opportunity directly enabled engaged workforce leaders and self-advocates to understand what works, what is changing and how to plan for an exciting virtual future. [continue reading…]