About Us

Founded by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan as a NYC film festival in 2007, ReelAbilities blazed a trail as the first event of its kind, exclusively showcasing films by and about people with disabilities.
It has evolved into the nation’s premier organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities through film, aiming to create a more just, inclusive, and accessible society,

At the annual New York flagship festival,  ReelAbilities is renowned for its wide-ranging international film selection, riveting conversations, professional workshops and arts events, as well as a leader in setting the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion in the film industry.
The festival is a rare opportunity to put the spotlight on disabled individuals as protagonists, role models, artists and producers, all on the big screen.

Since 2012, ReelAbilities has expanded its impact by introducing its Affiliate Festivals Program, making it possible for organizations around the country and the world to present ReelAbilities in their communities, celebrating diversity and further spreading ReelAbilities’ mission.

In addition to its flagship and affiliate festivals, ReelAbilities offers a  streaming platform – www.reelabilitiesstream.org,  Reel Education, a year-round educational program, and ReelAbilities at the Workplace, presenting ReelAbilities content at corporations and organizations as a diversity and inclusion training tool.

In 2023, ReelAbilities was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) organization.