Event Recording: Diversability Unplugged: Disability in Entertainment

Representation matters—when we experience disability reflected in the world around us through entertainment, it helps create a sense of belonging that can be life-changing. Historically, however, the disabled representation in entertainment has been inauthentic and disempowering. A 2021 study showed only 3.1% of characters in film & television are disabled, and more than 95% of those characters are played by nondisabled actors. But thanks to the disabled pioneers' blazing trails in the industry, we are witnessing this change in real-time. Disabled artists are being hired like never before to perform on stages and runways to the silver screen in roles that break out of the stigmatic Hollywood tropes to empower authentic representation.

Join us for Diversability Unplugged: Disability in Entertainment for a powerhouse panel full of disabled trailblazers making waves in the entertainment industry!

Our panelists include:

  • Nic Novicki (he/him), Actor, Founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge

  • Natalie Trevonne-Gross (she/her), Performer, Fashion Designer, 2022 D-30 Honoree

  • Tameka Citchen-Spruce (she/her), Film Producer, Screenwriter, 2022 D-30 Honoree

  • Rik Daniels (he/him), Professional Model, Dancer, Performance Artist

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