As a disability ally, I help filmmakers and film organizations enhance accessibility and inclusive practices across their programs.
The film and media industries are recognizing the need for truly inclusive spaces for people with disabilities—but how do you get there? I help organizations create tailored strategies to welcome authentic disability stories, creators, speakers, and audiences at film and cultural events.
I collaborate with operations and production teams to identify inclusion goals, address challenges, and develop sustainable accessibility plans for film screenings, festivals, and community programs.
Content
Showcasing authentic disability stories and involving disabled speakers, curators, and staff.
Spaces
Ensuring both in-person and virtual venues are accommodating to disabled and non-disabled audiences.
Communication
Developing outreach and promotional strategies that engage the disability community.
Assess current accessibility practices across departments to identify barriers and opportunities to improve.
Update operations, communication, and programming to integrate inclusive practices.
Highlight your available accessibility and actively reach out to disabled audiences and organizations.
Helping you create meaningful and lasting accessibility improvements:
Implement accessibility practices for screenings and events
Curate films, panels, and initiatives highlighting disabled perspectives
Produce film accessibility assets (captions, audio description)
Audit accessibility across departments to identify barriers
Develop long-term accessibility growth plans
Design outreach and partnership strategies to engage disabled audiences, speakers, and organizations
Yaara Kedem (she/her/hers)
Born in Jerusalem, I hold a dual degree in Film and Television, and Special Education and School Counseling from Tel Aviv University. In 2015, I moved to New York and directed the ReelAbilities International program, managing a network of 20+ accessible film festivals and events celebrating the artistic expression of people with disabilities. I also oversaw programming and production for 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.
Before this, I led the Summit Camp travel program, coordinating tours for neurodivergent teens and young adults, and worked on the Tribeca Film Festival production team. I also headed the Dubbing and Translation Department at Hop! TV Channel in Israel and contributed translations and subtitles for Netflix, MTV, and Nickelodeon productions.
Today, I balance my work as a freelance Accessibility Consultant with my role as the Community and Educational Manager at Clixo by Toyish Labs Inc. a company creating universally designed toys that encourage creativity and inclusivity.
I thrive on collaboration, creativity, and exploring new ideas and places.
With a deep appreciation for film, I’ve dedicated much of my career to working with artists whose voices are often excluded from mainstream cultural narratives. My goal is to ensure their work is accessible to all audiences.
I foster an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and humor, creating space where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas, perspectives, and passions.
In fast-paced settings that require quick results, I thrive by finding innovative solutions using available resources, ensuring progress even in challenging circumstances.
I develop clear strategies with actionable goals, helping organizations enhance accessibility in the short term while laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.
Contact me to explore how we can enhance accessibility and foster disability inclusion within your organization and programming.
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.