Living in New York City can be described as restorative, especially for a wheelchair-using woman in her 40s like me. Despite my overall skepticism about the city’s approach to disability rights and disability life, I still love it dearly. Though every day can be a challenge, from potholes that rock my wheelchair to crowded sidewalks that make my presence felt, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Attending the ReelAbilities New York Film Festival this April got me thinking about the importance of representation in the arts. Dedicated to showcasing stories of the lives and work of people with disabilities since its inception in 2007, the festival has been a shining light in an industry that often lacks authentic representation of disability. The festival’s existence makes me feel surrounded by a community that understands the complexities of navigating a world where we are often overlooked. This was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
The festival’s mission resonated deeply with me. I was struck by the diversity of experiences and the common threads of strength and determination. These stories weren’t just about overcoming obstacles, but about living life fully and authentically. They reminded me why representation matters and how powerful it is in shifting perceptions and fostering empathy.
When people with disabilities see themselves accurately portrayed on screen, their experiences are affirmed and they develop a sense of belonging. According to GLAAD’s Media Representation Report, less than 3% of characters regularly appearing on primetime television are people with disabilities. That’s a disproportionately low percentage, considering that roughly 20% of Americans have at least one disability. But it’s not just about the characters on screen that matters; it’s also about who gets to tell these stories. Behind the camera, writers, directors, and producers with disabilities bring a valuable perspective to the production. Their lived experiences are reflected in the storytelling, making the stories more authentic and resonant. That’s why initiatives like the Easter Seals Disability Film Competition (now in its 11th year) are so important to give these voices a platform and nurture a new generation of storytellers who can shape the future of media representation.
As the disability rights movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, films like “Children of a Lesser God” and “Born on the Fourth of July” brought the experiences of characters with disabilities into the public consciousness, highlighting their struggles and achievements. But the film industry continues to rely on able-bodied actors to play disabled characters, and many stories portray disability as a tragedy or source of inspiration rather than a natural part of the human experience.
Today, the need for authentic representation is being increasingly recognized. The success of shows like Speechless, starring actor Micah Fowler, who has cerebral palsy, and Atypical, which depicts the life of a teenager on the autism spectrum, shows that audiences are craving more authentic portrayals of disability. This has led to in-person and virtual festivals like ReelAbilities and the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge continuing to provide a powerful platform for voices and creators with disabilities, becoming more relevant and influential every year.
Here are some of the recently announced winners from the 2024 Easter Seals Disability Film Competition, which ran from April 2 to April 7. As always, each winner showcases a wide range of talent.
Call the ADA: The screenplay was written by David Radcliffe, who won an Oscar for this film. I felt a strong connection to the characters and humor, as I was able to relate to my own experiences living in a world that is often indifferent and dismissive of disabilities. I also found it very funny and clever how the film uses the characters’ existential crisis to subtly explore whether the ADA actually works. Obsidian Muskrat Incident: Chase Chambers won Best Editing for this film, which is reminiscent of a noir detective novel. Emergency Contact: Watching Kirsten Kelly hilariously play an awkward conversation with an ex-lover, it’s easy to see why she won Best Actor. You really felt her panic and regret. She is a literal scene stealer. Audio Description: This film is both moving and funny, with the film’s audio commentator interacting with the protagonist to explore the social importance of audio description. Watching these innovative short films, we see how few funding opportunities there are for artists with disabilities. Grants and sponsorships are hard to come by, and many disabled creators struggle to find the financial support they need to bring their projects to life. This lack of funding limits the creation of new work and stifles the professional growth of artists with disabilities. Without adequate resources, many talented people are unable to realize their full potential.
Representation of people with disabilities in decision-making spaces is also a key issue. In the arts and entertainment industry, people with disabilities are still often excluded from positions of power. This exclusion means that disabled perspectives are ignored in decision-making processes, perpetuating a vicious cycle of under-representation and prejudice. Ensuring that disabled voices are heard at all levels, from production to executive leadership, is essential to creating a truly inclusive industry.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for systemic change. Advocacy and activism play a key role in driving increased accessibility and inclusion. By raising awareness and pushing for better representation, we can begin to break down the barriers that hold artists back with disabilities. The ReelAbilities Film Festival and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge are important steps in this direction, but there is still a long way to go. But, of course, there is good news.
Assistive devices and software have revolutionized the creative process for artists with disabilities. Tools such as voice recognition software, eye-tracking technology and adaptive keyboards are breaking down creative barriers, allowing artists with disabilities to fully realize their talents. Storytelling is a powerful tool to shift perceptions and foster empathy. Through the lens of disability, stories can challenge stereotypes and highlight diverse experiences. The work of women with disabilities like Alice Wong and Maysoon Zayed shows how stories can change societal attitudes.
“The arts and entertainment industries have the potential to lead the way in disability inclusion, but it will take a concerted effort from all of us, especially since a recent FilmDis study found that even in the post-pandemic era, the majority of disabled characters on screen are still represented in bit parts or minor roles. The ReelAbilities Film Festival and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive storytelling and the importance of representation.”
About the author: Alejandra Ospina is a fellow in The Loreen Arbus Accessibility is Fundamental Program, a fellowship created in collaboration with Women’s eNews to train women with disabilities as professional journalists so they can write, research, and report on the most important issues affecting the disability community.