I really love film. Whether you call it movies, cinema, or talkies – I love them all. From childhood to adulthood, films have always been a rich source of support, insights, and, yes, even distraction. What I love most is that films offer endless possibilities. You get to choose your favorites, build your perspective from memorable scenes and moments, and create your own personal library of experiences you want to hold on to. Watching films together has become such an integral part of how I have learned to connect with others in today’s society.

But here’s the thing: film is currently limited to just some of us. Around 26% of the U.S. population lives with a disability, yet people with disabilities make up a much smaller portion of audiences at film screenings or festivals. For a long time, this seemed like the norm to me. It wasn’t until I attended my first ReelAbilities Film Festival in New York in 2016 that I realized how different things could be. When things like captions, audio descriptions, ASL interpretation, and accessible seating for both wheelchair users and their companions are made available by default, people who need them show up. It’s that simple. And once you’ve experienced a screening that’s truly inclusive, it becomes impossible to ignore how many spaces are missing the basic requirements to be accessible.

During my six and a half years with ReelAbilities, I was lucky to work with amazing people who helped me see just how possible it is to create inclusive, welcoming spaces for everyone. They showed me that the path to change is clear – it’s about vision, persistence, and the willingness to make space for those who are often excluded.

As I move forward in my career, I want to bring the lessons I’ve learned to film festivals, organizations, and programs, helping them become as accessible and welcoming as they can be. I want to help open up these spaces to people with disabilities and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.

I know accessibility in film isn’t always easy. The resources haven’t always been easy to find, and even though many incredible people are working to make them available, the road to inclusion can feel unclear and confusing. That’s why I’m offering my services as an experienced film event accessibility planner and ally. I want to help filmmakers and event organizers create the opportunities to bring in new audiences, perspectives, and creativity that are absent when the disability community is excluded.

If you’re planning an event or working on a project and need support in making it more accessible, I’m here to help. Let’s talk about your ideas, and together we can figure out the best way forward.

And of course, I’m always learning. If you notice anything in my language, website, or approach that could be improved, please reach out. I’m committed to doing better and being more thoughtful in how I approach this important work.

Let’s make film for everyone.

Yaara