About
This panel examines accessibility in film through three interconnected angles: on set, in representation, and for audiences. On set, we’ll discuss practical, inclusive production practices, such as physical access, accommodations, adaptive workflows, and smart pre-production planning to remove barriers. We’ll cover authentic disability storytelling and inclusive casting, including working with disability led groups and steering clear of stereotypes. And lastly, we’ll focus on making formats and screening experiences accessible, including captions, audio description, and accessible venues. Together, these threads guide a fuller, more inclusive approach from creation to consumption. Moderator: Melissa Simpson Panelists: Megan Finnegan, Tyler St. Pierre, Babacar Ndiaye Melissa Simpson is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Film Impact Georgia, the Education Director at the Atlanta Film Society, and produces independent projects. She has worked with numerous film festivals across the state of Georgia, serves on several nonprofit boards, and is heavily involved in the Atlanta film community. Megan Finnegan is the Director of Outreach for The Jacob’s Ladder Group , where she leads both local and national training, speaking, and partnership efforts grounded in the Interpersonal Whole Brain Model of Care™. With over 20 years in special education, she works to advance neurodiversity inclusion across education, community systems, and public policy. Tyler St. Pierre is a festival organizer based in NYC with experience working in film festivals around the world. He is currently the Quality Control Manager for Tribeca Festival while also being the Documentary Features Programmer & Film Liaison for the Charlotte Film Festival. Babacar Ndiaye is a Chicago-born and Atlanta-based filmmaker. He has has worked on numerous projects for clients such as AMC, Adult Swim, and VH1, as well as music videos for Def Jam and Capitol Records. Babacar has a B.A. from UGA and an M.A. from Georgia State University. He is a former Filmmaker In Residence with the Atlanta Film Festival/Atlanta Film Society.
Details
Show
12:01am
Tickets
Tickets available ↗
Getting There
535 Means St NW West Midtown, GA
Lot parking · available