Resources
If you have comments, suggestions or job opportunities that you would like us to share please contact us at info@divaswithdisabilities.org.
News and Events
Deserving nurse gets million-dollar surprise of a lifetime
Andrea Dalzell is a nurse and disability advocate who has made unbelievable strides for people with spinal cord injuries.
Andrea Dalzell is a nurse and disability advocate who has made unbelievable strides for people with spinal cord injuries.
10 Adaptive Clothing Brands That Are Super Cute
Historically, there has been a gaping hole in the fashion industry for stylish and functional adaptive clothing (aka cute apparel that makes it easy to get dressed or live life for people with disabilities or those who have just gone through surgery). But, considering that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one in four adults in the U.S. are living with "some type of disability," and the fact that web searches for adaptive fashion were up 80 percent in 2019—that needs to change.
Historically, there has been a gaping hole in the fashion industry for stylish and functional adaptive clothing (aka cute apparel that makes it easy to get dressed or live life for people with disabilities or those who have just gone through surgery). But, considering that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one in four adults in the U.S. are living with "some type of disability," and the fact that web searches for adaptive fashion were up 80 percent in 2019—that needs to change.
To learn more abut the webinars and to register: https://www.respectability.org/accessibility-webinars/
Hollywood Reporter News As Hollywood Takes Action Amid Protests, Words Alone Are "Not Going to Cut It"
Ms. Magazine Feminist Lens: Cheryl L. Bedford’s Vision for a Diverse and Inclusive Hollywood
Deadline.com Black And Brown Indie Producers Press Hollywood For Commitments To End Systemic Racism: Open Letter
CNN Entertainment News Jenny Slate quits 'Big Mouth' role, says Black characters 'should be played by Black people'
Filmmaker Magazine
In 2008, I founded Nuanse Entertainment, a boutique film production company whose mission is to create colorful characters for every genre while contributing to the perpetuation of new narratives about the Black experience.Last year, my business partner, Ricki Lynée, and I were commissioned for a new project via Nuanse. We decided to move forward with a concept that had been percolating.
In 2008, I founded Nuanse Entertainment, a boutique film production company whose mission is to create colorful characters for every genre while contributing to the perpetuation of new narratives about the Black experience.Last year, my business partner, Ricki Lynée, and I were commissioned for a new project via Nuanse. We decided to move forward with a concept that had been percolating.
Long Road To Hollywood: Why Actors With Disabilities Have Yet To Be Recognized
It often takes decades for disabled actors to break into the entertainment industry.
It often takes decades for disabled actors to break into the entertainment industry.
US Census Bureau Statistics: Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act: July 26, 2020
blackdisability.org Scholarship Information
The NBDC Scholarship Program, one of the many outreach projects, is to provide financial assistance and encouragement to Black disabled high school graduates in the pursuit of higher learning.
The NBDC Scholarship Program is funded by donations from its members, supporters and other fundraising events. The number of scholarships awarded is limited by the monies generated from these endeavors.
The 2021 award is $10,000 to be distributed half in the first semester and additional half in the second semester contingent upon a first semester minimum GPA of 2.0.
Applications will be available November 1st and the deadline is March 15th.
The NBDC Scholarship Program, one of the many outreach projects, is to provide financial assistance and encouragement to Black disabled high school graduates in the pursuit of higher learning.
The NBDC Scholarship Program is funded by donations from its members, supporters and other fundraising events. The number of scholarships awarded is limited by the monies generated from these endeavors.
The 2021 award is $10,000 to be distributed half in the first semester and additional half in the second semester contingent upon a first semester minimum GPA of 2.0.
Applications will be available November 1st and the deadline is March 15th.
Employment Opportunity
Entertainment Outreach Program Manager
RespectAbility is seeking an extremely organized individual with previous experience in the entertainment industry to join our Hollywood Inclusion team, reporting to our Vice President of Communications and working closely with our Hollywood Inclusion Associate and board members.
POSITION SUMMARYThe ideal candidate finds enjoyment in keeping not only themselves organized but also a team organized. The Entertainment Outreach Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating dozens of entertainment industry requests simultaneously, assigning them to other members of the team and keeping track of deadlines.
This position is full time. Salary, healthcare, vacation and other benefits provided. Position will work remotely at least for the duration of the pandemic. We prefer applicants to be located in Los Angeles, California but will consider people in other locations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESContent Consulting Management (50%)
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Tonya Koslo: TonyaK@RespectAbility.org. The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000, depending on skills and experience.
People with disabilities, BIPOC individuals, and members of other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require any accommodations in order to most effectively participate in the application process, please contact Tonya Koslo at TonyaK@RespectAbility.org or 202-517-6272, and let us know what we can do.
RespectAbility provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RespectAbility complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Entertainment Outreach Program Manager
RespectAbility is seeking an extremely organized individual with previous experience in the entertainment industry to join our Hollywood Inclusion team, reporting to our Vice President of Communications and working closely with our Hollywood Inclusion Associate and board members.
POSITION SUMMARYThe ideal candidate finds enjoyment in keeping not only themselves organized but also a team organized. The Entertainment Outreach Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating dozens of entertainment industry requests simultaneously, assigning them to other members of the team and keeping track of deadlines.
This position is full time. Salary, healthcare, vacation and other benefits provided. Position will work remotely at least for the duration of the pandemic. We prefer applicants to be located in Los Angeles, California but will consider people in other locations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESContent Consulting Management (50%)
- Support the logistics of television, film and streaming consulting projects. Coordinate with subject matter and disability-specific consultants. This can consist of taking in requests from studios, production companies and independent filmmakers for expertise on accessibility issues, authentic representation, script reviews and story ideas, and then matching those requests with our subject matter experts.
- Compile research and resources for consultations.
- Maintain an up-to-date database on entertainment projects of interest to the disability community. Regularly send reports to the VP of Communications.
- Manage Hollywood Inclusion Fellows, who will be recruited and hired to serve in consulting roles for various projects on behalf of RespectAbility.
- Track past and current projects and all relevant materials.
- Research shows and creators that the VP of Communications should further develop relationships with and support outreach and coordination.
- Maintain an up-to-date database of contacts of interest to the disability community and RespectAbility to be updated consistently.
- Cultivate relationships with film schools and training programs.
- Provide logistical support and planning for entertainment industry events. Post pandemic, this can include, but not limited to, venue selection, AV tech setup, transporting materials, event management and on-site setup.
- Schedule times with studios, production companies and other entities for RespectAbility subject matter experts to provide training on disability inclusion and accessibility in the entertainment industry.
- Coordinate the VP of Communication’s schedule, with a strong understanding of priorities, scheduling and administrative support.
- Ensure that meetings, proposals, deadlines, presentations and other duties are carried out seamlessly.
- When pandemic ends, make travel arrangements, coordinating flights, accommodations and other itinerary specifics.
- Ensure that receipts and reimbursements are filed in a timely fashion.
- Assist in the preparation of documents and presentations for both internal and external meetings. Create and/or revise PowerPoint presentation decks and Excel spreadsheets.
- Plans exist for further expansion of team depending on funding. As that occurs, some administrative support duties may be reassigned.
- Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the organization, including diversity, equity and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Commitment to, and lived experience in, disability issues, as well as a strong interest in issues of intersectionality and other marginalized communities.
- At least two years of applicable experience, preferably in the entertainment industry working for an agency, studio, journalism outlet or related.
- Excellent communications and organizational skills. Has a proven track record of working as a member of a team and individually to meet goals.
- Ability to learn and master new issues quickly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Proficiency with the accessible design of office documents preferred. This proficiency can be gained with free trainings available on the RespectAbility website.
- Ability to respond to shifting priorities and demands based on the organization’s needs, as well as organize time efficiently and remain attentive to details. Available to occasionally respond to after-hours and weekend requests.
- Upbeat attitude and commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Tonya Koslo: TonyaK@RespectAbility.org. The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000, depending on skills and experience.
People with disabilities, BIPOC individuals, and members of other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require any accommodations in order to most effectively participate in the application process, please contact Tonya Koslo at TonyaK@RespectAbility.org or 202-517-6272, and let us know what we can do.
RespectAbility provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RespectAbility complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Staff Me Up
Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
We Believe in Diversity and InclusionStaff Me Up’s goal is to help ensure that Diversity and Inclusion are incorporated throughout the hiring process. We are committed to building tools and to forging partnerships that will empower the people and the organizations that make up our production community, as we strive together to turn this goal into a reality.
We have partnered with the following Diversity Advocacy Organizations to ensure that job opportunities are widely shared, broadening the pool of available talent for media companies to hire:
Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
We Believe in Diversity and InclusionStaff Me Up’s goal is to help ensure that Diversity and Inclusion are incorporated throughout the hiring process. We are committed to building tools and to forging partnerships that will empower the people and the organizations that make up our production community, as we strive together to turn this goal into a reality.
We have partnered with the following Diversity Advocacy Organizations to ensure that job opportunities are widely shared, broadening the pool of available talent for media companies to hire:
