Based in NYC, Kiah (they/she) is a filmmaker, consultant, educator, producer, Production Accessibility Coordinator, and media industry activist Their work focuses on identity, fluidity, commonality, misconception, and all things “deviant from normal” – stories from the Disability, LGBTQ+, and Underrepresented Gender Communities as well as Accessibility as a production need for all. As a person with Peripheral Neuropathic UCTD, they have a unique ability to connect to Disability intersections from Spoonie/Chronic Illness and Neurodiversity to Mobility, Vision, and Non-Verbal Communication.
Kiah’s background in disability art and education working with nonprofits like Penguin Project, Chicago Children’s Theatre, New York City Children’s Theatre, Co/Lab, Actionplay, and others, impacts the scope of their work ensuring inclusive learning is an integral part of every space they create or step into. Her education and outreach work presents research backed data that prioritizes intersectionality and flexibility as a tool to promote initiatives that uplift community wellness while creating a higher quality and more inclusive product. Kiah has spoken at The Met, MoMA, S&P Global, ReelAbilities NY, Arts for All Abilities and many more.
In 2018, Kiah founded IndieVISIBLE Entertainment, a production company and artist collective supporting and telling representational stories from Disabled and other marginalized communities. IndieVISIBLE films have been seen at festivals across the country including a Best Film win for its first short, The Identity Pas de Deux, an experimental dance film about the experience of gender identity, at the 2020 LA Feedback Festival. Through IndieVISIBLE, Kiah works as an educator, public speaker, and consultant, advocating the need for authenticity and diversity in the media industry, making films and websites and social media more accessible, and providing resources for marginalized independent artists and production groups. Especially focused on intersectional Disabled Queer TGNC stories, they continue to push for Production Access Coordinators to be included on all productions and support any creative looking to uplift unheard voices. Kiah is a 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Media Fellow and a Dance/NYC Disability and Social Justice 2020 Fellow.
