Those who follow the work of RespectAbility know that Lauren Appelbaum, our VP of Communications, is the incredible dynamic force behind our Hollywood Inclusion work. Lauren is also a deeply committed Jew, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a superstar Jewish mom. It’s perhaps not surprising, therefore, that Jewish Women International chose Lauren to be part of its highly selective leadership cohort. Lauren is not just an amazing Jewish leader however, she is a remarkable Jewish leader with a disability, a living testament to the types of leaders that Jews with disabilities can be. In this column from the Jewish Journal, Lauren reminds us about the importance of including Jewish women with disabilities in our efforts to develop Jewish women leaders. I know that I and the rest of the RespectAbility team benefit every day from Lauren’s leadership. As you read the following article, consider how you might follow her example, and the example set by JWI, such that our Jewish community and society at large can benefit from this type of leadership. [continue reading…]

If you are a fan of thrillers, you undoubtedly have run across different takes on the “hostage” theme. Aneesh Chaganty’s latest film, “Run,” revisits this theme but does so with a twist that will undoubtedly draw deserved attention from the disabled community.

“Run” is the story of Chloe Sherman, a teen who uses a wheelchair, played by real-life wheelchair user Kiera Allen. The film explores the dynamic between Chloe and her helicopter mom Diane Sherman, played by Sarah Paulson.

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Los Angeles, Dec. 3 – In celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities, Hulu has launched a new content collection celebrating disability representation with 34 television series and films including new Hulu Originals thriller Run, film I am Greta and TV series Ramy, as well as shows like Freeform’s Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and NBC’s Speechless.

The featured content is representative of both visible disabilities including those who use wheelchairs and are Deaf as well as nonvisible disabilities including mental health conditions. [continue reading…]

Los Angeles, Dec. 2 – Several filmmakers with disabilities recently completed the Film Independent Fast Track program, an intensive, three-day film-financing market in which participants are connected with established financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals who can move their current projects forward.

Andrew Reid

“In 2020, Film Independent provided me with tremendous support through the artist mentorship programs Project Involve and Fast Track,” said Director Andrew Reid, who completed the disability advocacy nonprofit RespectAbility’s Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities this summer. “These opportunities gave me the chance to direct a short film, collaborate with diverse filmmakers and network with film industry professionals who can help move my current projects forward.” [continue reading…]

Risky Thanksgiving behavior could lead to funerals by Christmas

Source: Johns Hopkins University

Washington, D.C., Nov. 24 – As new COVID-19 cases are spiraling out of control across the United States, the disability advocacy nonprofit RespectAbility is urging people to stay home for the holiday season.

“The news of three potential COVID-19 vaccines with over 90% effectiveness is a great sign for 2021,” said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, President of RespectAbility. “However, COVID-19 cases are surging right now, and we need people to be cautious. Stay at home if at all possible, and if you do go out, wear a mask and practice social distancing. Risky behavior this Thanksgiving could lead to funerals by Christmas.” [continue reading…]

New members include cross section of national leaders from Hollywood, public policy and the private sector

Rockville, Md., Nov. 22 – As RespectAbility enters its eighth year of fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community, five new individuals are joining RespectAbility’s 30-member board as new officers are elected. Rich in diversity and expertise, these new board members include a cross section of national leaders from public policy, the private sector and Hollywood, including entertainment executives from Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Walt Disney Company. Moreover, the board of advisors added respected leaders in nonprofit management with deep roots in disability issues and lived experiences.

“We are thrilled to bring such a talented group of leaders with fresh perspective to our board,” stated Rep. Steve Bartlett, Chair of RespectAbility. “People with disabilities have long been denied entry into the workforce, ultimately depriving 70 percent of working-age Americans a chance to impact our evolving economy. The diverse and bipartisan board we assembled is dedicated to this fight.” [continue reading…]

As you know, a major focus of our Jewish program is providing varied venues for Jews with disabilities to enrich the Jewish community with their talent. A critical facet of the Jewish experience is artistic expression through:  music, visual arts, dance, photography, creative writing and poetry.

As a people, we have celebrated many great poets:  Emma Lazarus (“Give me your tired, your poor . . . ”); Israeli Yehuda Amichai (“A child is . . .”); Hannah Senesh (“Blessed is the flame . . .”); and Allen Ginsberg (“I saw the best minds . . .”) are but four examples. With one in five Jews experiencing disability, it is entirely possible that one or more of these luminaries had a disability of some kind, but whether or not that is the case, Jews with disabilities should have an important role in our artistic voice. [continue reading…]

Gomez to Receive Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship at Media Access Awards on November 19

Los Angeles, California, Nov. 18 – Danny J. Gomez, an actor, model and advocate for authentic casting in Hollywood, will be awarded the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship at the 2020 Media Access Awards. In partnership with Easterseals Southern California, the Media Access Awards is an annual ceremony that honors media and entertainment trailblazers advancing disability awareness and inclusion. Previous recipients of the Christopher Reeve Scholarship include Lauren “Lolo” Spencer and RespectAbility’s Hollywood Inclusion Associate Tatiana Lee.

Gomez receiving this scholarship will be a full circle moment, as he credits the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for helping to kick-start his acting career, starring in Check Mate in 2018 and in I/O in 2019. [continue reading…]

Joshua Steinberg

I have already shared my enthusiasm for my position as the Associate for Jewish Leadership, but even now I find religion an abstract topic. It has been difficult to wrap my head around, and to believe in. The idea that a supreme being has control over our lives can be scary to think about. I never considered myself a religious person and never truly believed in the existence of God.

Like many of us in nonprofit leadership, I am moved by the notion of a higher purpose or calling, but like many, I struggle with the notion of faith in a divine being. Yet I’m beginning to realize in this role, that for Jewish leaders there can be different paths of faith, and different connections to Jewish identity… During my youth, I wanted to spend my time with friends having fun. One day, I closed my eyes to reflect on my life, and saw my grandmother shaking her head at me. I took it as a sign that my grandmother would not be pleased with the direction I was taking and started changing my life for the better and to make myself happier. I was also beginning to explore my beliefs in order to find fulfilment. [continue reading…]