About
ReelAbilities International was founded with the mission of "reframing disability" through the lens of cinema. As the largest film festival in the United States dedicated to disability representation, it curates films where disabled people are creators, storytellers, and protagonists — not objects of pity or inspiration. The flagship New York festival runs annually, with affiliate festivals in additional US cities. The organisation was recognised on Forbes' inaugural Accessibility 100 list.
What It Offers
- Annual film festival: The flagship New York event (typically April) and affiliate festivals across the US, screening new and archival films centred on disability experience
- ReelAbilities Stream: An on-demand streaming platform offering accessible cinema from home, with closed captions and audio description available
- Poppins: A customisable in-screening accessibility feature enhancing viewing for audience members with different needs
- REEL-ED: Educational programming bringing films and disability perspectives into schools and classrooms
- Workplace Programme: Corporate screening and discussion events for organisations building disability-inclusive cultures
- Industry Summit: An annual convening of media leaders and disabled creators working to change how disability is represented in mainstream entertainment
Who It's For
ReelAbilities serves film audiences, disability communities, educators, employers, and entertainment industry professionals. The festival and Stream platform are open to the public. Ticket pricing varies by event; some educational content is available free.