Key Initiatives

Easterseals as an allied partner works closely with the Sundance Institute to bring more diversity and inclusion within the film industry, through a series of filmmaker conversations, events and workshops. Additionally, they are working together to increase accessibility for filmmakers, critics, and film enthusiasts with disabilities to more readily participate in the annual Sundance Film Festival.

With like-minded goals, Easterseals and Film Independent have teamed up to diversify the film industry by giving opportunity and voice to a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. They collaborate on a number of offerings and initiatives, including: Film Independent Memberships awarded to Easterseasls Disability Film Challenge winners; an intense day-long workshop for film challenge winners and finalists; and Easterseals has hosted Film Independent’s New Wave brunch to honor talented young actors who continue to deliver breakout performances and deserve industry recognition.

Through year-round activities, Easterseals and HRTS are bringing more visibility to disability inclusion across the TV and entertainment industry. Among their collaborations, Easterseals serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural HRTS Diversity and Inclusion Resource Guide, which highlights dozens of TV industry programs designed to promote inclusion, equality and representation. Easterseals created a dedicated section in the guide highlighting strategies and resources for promoting inclusion of people with disabilities. It has been widely distributed to HRTS membership and has quickly become a trusted resource. Easterseals support helped assure that.