ACADEMY DEBUTS VIRTUAL PROGRAM  SPOTLIGHTING FILMMAKERS WITH DISABILITIES

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents a special virtual program titled ACCESSABILITY/VISABILITY: Breaking Down the Barriers for People with Disabilities in Media, the program consists of three panels featuring conversations with filmmakers with disabilities examining the struggles and successes of the disabled community in Hollywood.

Welcoming remarks by Academy governor and Oscar-winning actor Whoopi Goldberg, and hosted by Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin. Watch discussion below!

Panels in order of presentation are as follows:

• Authentic Representation: Why It Matters and How Far We Have Come -Featuring a discussion about the representation of people with disabilities in Hollywood, how it has evolved, and what future progress still needs to be made. With actor Danny Woodburn, actor and comedian Maysoon Zayid, and talent manager Eryn Brown.
• Behind the Camera: Why Inclusion Benefits Us All – The importance of inclusion not only in front of the camera, but behind the camera as well. With filmmakers Jenni Gold and Jim LeBrecht and VFX supervisor Kaitlyn Yang.
• Fresh Voices: Hollywood’s Untapped Talent and Unlimited Potential – The future of representation both in front of and behind the camera. With animation director Jorge Gutierrez and actors Millicent Simmonds and Zack Gottsagen.

HIGHLIGHTS:
“I’m seeing disabled people in every area excelling. We just need to make sure they get the chance.” – Maysoon Zayid

“I think that the more varied voices and experiences that come into a team working on a film, the greater the possibility for bringing out nuance and stories that really paint a brighter picture to what we’re doing.” – Jim LeBrecht

“For the disability community, I feel that the success that I have is a success for them as well. I feel we’re raising the bar, setting the standards higher and higher and allowing the disability community to aim for those goals.” – Millicent Simmonds

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will present a special virtual program titled ACCESSABILITY/VISABILITY: Breaking Down the Barriers for People with Disabilities in Media, featuring conversations with filmmakers with disabilities examining the struggles and successes of the disabled community in Hollywood.