Yaara Kedem

Hi, I’m Yaara!
Film event accessibility consultant and producer, committed to social change through art, community, and access.  
Illustration of audiences with disabilities looking at cinema screen.

As an ally to the disability community, I support organizations and creators in forming accessible spaces and establishing practices that encourage inclusion of stories, artistic expression, and accessibility for all.

Accessibility Consulting

Let’s make your event accessible.

With the film and media industry working towards becoming a more inclusive space for people with disabilities, my goal is to provide organizations with the tools necessary to welcome and include disabled creators, speakers, and audiences at film and cultural events.

I work with operations and production departments to identify practical goals and obstacles for inclusion, and build a plan to increase and sustain access at film screenings, festivals, and community programs.

Let’s start

Accessibility at film events can be divided into three main areas:
Illustration of three people sitting on a stage with lights pointed at it. One person with a cane, one with a wheelchair, and one on a chair. A ramp is connected to the stage.

Content

Programming films and events featuring disabled creators, subjects, and speakers.

Spaces

Assuring in-person and virtual event spaces are accommodating to all participants.

Illustration of a building with a ramp leading to it's main entrance.
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Community

Planning communication and outreach initiatives that foster engagement within the disability community.

The Process

Tackling accessibility can be overwhelming. Let’s break it down.
Stage 1: Review

Assess existing accessibility practices in content, spaces, and communication to identify areas of improvement.

Stage 2: Implement

Revise event operations, language, and communication, and incorporate new accessibility practices and inclusive programs.

Stage 3: Promote

Spread the word about programs and engage audiences from the disability community.

Services

These are a few ways in which I help create tangible and sustainable accessibility improvements:

Illustration of a person in a wheelchair sitting by a desk with a sign saying "access" behind them.

Plan and implement accessibility practices at screenings and events

Illustration of three people sitting on a stage with lights pointed at it. One person with a cane, one with a wheelchair, and one on a chair. A ramp is connected to the stage.

Program films, panel discussions, and speakers

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Produce film accessibility assets (captions and audio description)

Audit accessibility within and across departments to identify access barriers

Incorporate accessibility practices and workflows in various departments

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Create outreach and partnership plans

About Me

Yaara Kedem (she/her/hers)

Born in Jerusalem, I graduated from Tel Aviv University with a dual degree in Film and Television, and Special Education and School Counseling. After moving to New York in 2015, I directed the ReelAbilities International program, overseeing a global network of 20+ accessible film festivals, screenings, educational programs, conferences, and events focusing on the lives and artistic expression of people with disabilities. Alongside, I managed the programming and production of four annual film festivals, screenings, and ongoing programs focusing on Jewish, Israeli, and Palestinian communities as Associate Director of the Carole Zabar Center for Film at the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan, including the Other Israel Film Festival, Israel Film Center Festival, and ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York.

Prior to my work with the JCC, I directed the Summit Camp travel program, overseeing and leading international and domestic tours for neurodivergent teens and young adults. I worked on the production teams of various film festivals, including Tribeca Film Festival in 2016. I managed television and film localization projects as Head of the Dubbing and Translation Department at Hop! TV Channel in Israel, translated and edited subtitles for Netflix, MTV, and Nickelodeon productions, and translated children’s books from Hebrew to English.

I currently divide my time between being a freelance Accessibility Advisor and Producer, and as the Community and Educational Manager at Clixo by Toyish Labs Inc. an innovative toy universally designed to foster imagination and inclusivity.

I love it when a good plan comes together, and enjoy working with people, making art, and exploring new places and ideas.

Read my statement – Why Film CAN Be for Everyone
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What I bring to the table

On overview five people sitting on a wooden stage with a screen behind them. One is signing, and one holding the mic.
Panelist, Inclusive Music Making, Accessibility, and their Innovative Applications in the Arts Roundtable, Austrian Cultural Forum NYC/Zero Project, 2022.
Passion for elevating the work of disabled filmmakers and creators

I have great appreciation for film, and have spent much time working with artists whose stories are missing from the cultural narratives we often encounter, and want to make sure they are available to all.

Collaborative leadership

I encourage positive communication, respect, and create space for team members to express their thoughts, opinions, and passions.

Creative thinking and problem solving

Accustomed to fast-paced environments requiring immediate results, I’m well versed in finding ways to make things happen with the resources available.

Expandable results

I create a clear plan with tangible goals that allows organizations to improve accessibility in the present and continue its long-term expansion.

Organizations I worked with

A tall blue rectangle, like the universal accessibility sign, with a circle outline in the center; 25 percent of the circle is colored in lime green, 75 percent is colored in white. Below the circle, says "1IN4." Number 1 is in lime green color and 1IN4 is in white.
Logo with black and orange text on a white background: ReelAbilities Film Festival
Logo with black text on white background, reading: Museum of the Moving Image
If/Then Shorts logo with white and yellow text on a black square background.
Purple line graphic shaped as wings with a heart halo, reading: Give Beauty Wings
Logo with black text on white background, with two asymmetrical orange horizontal lines on top and bottom, reading: FEAW
Logo with illustration of elevator with red blood spilling out of it, with text: "Access Horror"
Yellow text shaped like a school bus, with a red road and map below it, reading Ride the Omnibus
White text on black background reading ITVS logo
Black text on white background reading "Outfest Fusion"
Pink text on white background reading: Outfest Los Angeles
Logo with a black-and-white image of a person peering through a film roll, and black text on a gray background: The Chicago International Film Festival

Programs and Appearances

Speaker, Inclusive Music Making, Accessibility, and their Innovative Applications in the Arts Roundtable, Austrian Cultural Forum NYC/Zero Project, 2022.
Producer, Just Do It?: The Impact of Perfectionism & Productivity on Mental Health and Disability, ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, 2022.
Moderator, Opening Night Q+A, with Best Summer Ever creators and cast, ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, 2021.
Producer, ReelAbilities Comedy Night – What’s So Funny? Panel Discussion ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, 2020.

Let’s get to work!

Reach out to discuss how we can improve accessibility and disability inclusion at your organization and in your programming.

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Feedback

I am still learning and growing in my knowledge and understanding. I can make mistakes sometimes, and might overlook certain areas I should be sensitive to. If you notice aspects of my language, web accessibility, or approach that could use improvement – please reach out and let me know.