ADAPT OF TEXAS
http://adaptoftexas.org/
ADAPT of Texas is a grassroots disability rights group. With the cry “We Will Ride!” ADAPT of Texas started in 1985 with the fight for lifts on buses. In 2006 we had our state 21st Anniversary, and in 2008 our national 25th Anniversary. ADAPT’s advocacy led to Capital Metro becoming the first fully accessible mainline transit system in Texas. Since the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, ADAPT has turned our main focus to community attendant services. Our new mottos are: “Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes” and “Free Our People.”
ADAPT of Texas is a grassroots disability rights group. With the cry “We Will Ride!” ADAPT of Texas started in 1985 with the fight for lifts on buses. In 2006 we had our state 21st Anniversary, and in 2008 our national 25th Anniversary. ADAPT’s advocacy led to Capital Metro becoming the first fully accessible mainline transit system in Texas. Since the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, ADAPT has turned our main focus to community attendant services. Our new mottos are: “Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes” and “Free Our People.”
Boulder ADAPT
http://www.boulderadapt.org
Boulder ADAPT Coloradicals work for dignity and equality for people with disabilities. Located in the Boulder area, we venture to "free our people" in the national, state and local campaigns. We support National ADAPT and the Community Choice Act to be reintroduced in 2013, Colorado ADAPT and state efforts for equality. Locally we strive for a diverse, integrated and accessible community that equally welcomes all.
Boulder ADAPT Coloradicals work for dignity and equality for people with disabilities. Located in the Boulder area, we venture to "free our people" in the national, state and local campaigns. We support National ADAPT and the Community Choice Act to be reintroduced in 2013, Colorado ADAPT and state efforts for equality. Locally we strive for a diverse, integrated and accessible community that equally welcomes all.
COALITION OF TEXANS WITH DISABILITIES
http://www.txdisabilities.org
Founded in 1978, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is the oldest and largest member-driven disability advocacy organization in the state. We take a multi-front approach to making Texas a leader in disability-related public policy and culture. Our work revolves around legislative advocacy, public awareness events and activities, and professional services. CTD envisions a future where all Texans with disabilities can work, live, learn, play, and participate fully in the community of their choice.
Founded in 1978, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is the oldest and largest member-driven disability advocacy organization in the state. We take a multi-front approach to making Texas a leader in disability-related public policy and culture. Our work revolves around legislative advocacy, public awareness events and activities, and professional services. CTD envisions a future where all Texans with disabilities can work, live, learn, play, and participate fully in the community of their choice.
COMMUNITY NOW!
http://communitynowfreedom.org
Community Now!
is a statewide, all volunteer organization comprised of advocates; Texans who have a disability, parents, grandparents, and siblings who see the potential for persons who have a disability and fight for their right to live in their communities with access to quality, community-based long-term care supports and services.
The Inclusion Cinema Empowerment Program (ICEP) is an initiative of Community Now! A key component of the Community Now! mission is to support film projects that reflect community inclusion. Josh Tate’s award winning documentary, Forgotten Lives was the first film Community Now! sponsored. This film exposed civil rights abuses in Texas state institutions that serve people with Intellectual Disabilities. In keeping with the founding initiative to educate the general public about the capacity, right and struggles of people with disabilities to live in community as they define it, Community Now! has strongly endorsed Love Land by providing an inaugural grant of $50,000. Community Now! is a founding member of the Disability Cinema Coalition and will work closely to support efforts to create a Pipeline that to facilitate opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue careers in the film industry.
Community Now!
is a statewide, all volunteer organization comprised of advocates; Texans who have a disability, parents, grandparents, and siblings who see the potential for persons who have a disability and fight for their right to live in their communities with access to quality, community-based long-term care supports and services.
The Inclusion Cinema Empowerment Program (ICEP) is an initiative of Community Now! A key component of the Community Now! mission is to support film projects that reflect community inclusion. Josh Tate’s award winning documentary, Forgotten Lives was the first film Community Now! sponsored. This film exposed civil rights abuses in Texas state institutions that serve people with Intellectual Disabilities. In keeping with the founding initiative to educate the general public about the capacity, right and struggles of people with disabilities to live in community as they define it, Community Now! has strongly endorsed Love Land by providing an inaugural grant of $50,000. Community Now! is a founding member of the Disability Cinema Coalition and will work closely to support efforts to create a Pipeline that to facilitate opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue careers in the film industry.
DIONYSUS THEATRE
http://www.dionysustheatre.org
Dionysus, the inclusion theater, was created in 1998 by founder Deborah Nowinski in memory of her son, Dustin, who died of bone cancer at the age 15. This 501(C)3 theater, dedicates their stage to actors with disabilities and those who are non disabled. Through their shows, classes and youth touring troupe, Dionysus entertains, educates, empowers and enlightens all who come to our theater.
Dionysus is award winning and thought provoking, giving theater audiences a different way to feel and experience theater.
"Changing lives...one act at a time" since 1998.
Dionysus, the inclusion theater, was created in 1998 by founder Deborah Nowinski in memory of her son, Dustin, who died of bone cancer at the age 15. This 501(C)3 theater, dedicates their stage to actors with disabilities and those who are non disabled. Through their shows, classes and youth touring troupe, Dionysus entertains, educates, empowers and enlightens all who come to our theater.
Dionysus is award winning and thought provoking, giving theater audiences a different way to feel and experience theater.
"Changing lives...one act at a time" since 1998.
DSiAM
http://www.dsiam.org
After years of supplying talent with developmental disabilities to casting directors in Hollywood for films and television, and across the U.S. for commercial advertising and industrial films, media activist and consultant Gail Williamson has created a website just for talent who have Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities. Down Syndrome in Arts & Media, DSiAM pronounced “D.S. I am” is now on line and collecting talent for its data base. Williamson says, “There is so much talent out there and people are constantly looking for them, searching group internet sites and asking around, I thought the talent deserved a place to be located, sort of a one stop shop, to better show the world their abilities.” Williamson, the mother of Blair, a professional actor since 1991, says she never would have chosen this work for herself. Supporting Blair and his passion to act has caused her to stumble upon her destiny and now perhaps helping others with DD to discover their destinies as well.
After years of supplying talent with developmental disabilities to casting directors in Hollywood for films and television, and across the U.S. for commercial advertising and industrial films, media activist and consultant Gail Williamson has created a website just for talent who have Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities. Down Syndrome in Arts & Media, DSiAM pronounced “D.S. I am” is now on line and collecting talent for its data base. Williamson says, “There is so much talent out there and people are constantly looking for them, searching group internet sites and asking around, I thought the talent deserved a place to be located, sort of a one stop shop, to better show the world their abilities.” Williamson, the mother of Blair, a professional actor since 1991, says she never would have chosen this work for herself. Supporting Blair and his passion to act has caused her to stumble upon her destiny and now perhaps helping others with DD to discover their destinies as well.
Exceptional Ability Entertainment
Michael C. Cooney is the founder and president of Exceptional Ability Entertainment, a first-of-its-kind, Hollywood-based, minority-owned, full service production house, blending culture and creativity. Originally from Boston, Mr. Cooney is a graduate of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles. Before his career in film production, writing, and public speaking, he spent ten years working in all facets of the music industry, as well as mentoring at-risk kids.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Michael began his education in a Boston school for the handicapped, but soon became one of the first disabled kids in the United States to break the mainstream barrier. His first book, Walking In My Sleep, which was recently published, is a memoir about growing up with a disability. He has also written a wide collection of reviews and commentaries on music. Michael has worked in film for four years. In 2010 he traveled to South Korea to speak on disability issues, and today he continues to speak around the world. He lives in Los Angeles.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Michael began his education in a Boston school for the handicapped, but soon became one of the first disabled kids in the United States to break the mainstream barrier. His first book, Walking In My Sleep, which was recently published, is a memoir about growing up with a disability. He has also written a wide collection of reviews and commentaries on music. Michael has worked in film for four years. In 2010 he traveled to South Korea to speak on disability issues, and today he continues to speak around the world. He lives in Los Angeles.
L.A. GOAL
www.lagoal.org
Founded in 1969 by parents of young adults with developmental disabilities, we have always operated like a family – a family that has grown now to include 100 active Members, over 250 loved-ones and caregivers, and a passionate Board of Directors and Advisors. Together we envision a world where there is no “us” vs. “them,” “normal” vs. “disabled”; there is only we as people and a standard of mutual acceptance. Because over the years we have realized a far-overlooked truth: including adults with developmental disabilities brings reciprocal joy, enriching our lives just as much as it does theirs.
Founded in 1969 by parents of young adults with developmental disabilities, we have always operated like a family – a family that has grown now to include 100 active Members, over 250 loved-ones and caregivers, and a passionate Board of Directors and Advisors. Together we envision a world where there is no “us” vs. “them,” “normal” vs. “disabled”; there is only we as people and a standard of mutual acceptance. Because over the years we have realized a far-overlooked truth: including adults with developmental disabilities brings reciprocal joy, enriching our lives just as much as it does theirs.
MEDIA ALLIANCE
www.media-alliance.org
Media Alliance was founded with the belief that in order to ensure the free and unfettered flow of information and ideas necessary to maintain a truly democratic society, media must be accessible, accountable, decentralized, representative of society's diversity and free from covert or overt government control and corporate dominance. MA dedicates itself to fostering a genuine diversity of media voices and perspectives, holding the media accountable for their impact on society and protecting freedom of speech. Media Alliance is a media resource and advocacy center for media workers, non-profit organizations, and social justice activists. Our mission is excellence, ethics, diversity, and accountability in all aspects of the media in the interests of peace, justice, and social responsibility.
Media Alliance was founded with the belief that in order to ensure the free and unfettered flow of information and ideas necessary to maintain a truly democratic society, media must be accessible, accountable, decentralized, representative of society's diversity and free from covert or overt government control and corporate dominance. MA dedicates itself to fostering a genuine diversity of media voices and perspectives, holding the media accountable for their impact on society and protecting freedom of speech. Media Alliance is a media resource and advocacy center for media workers, non-profit organizations, and social justice activists. Our mission is excellence, ethics, diversity, and accountability in all aspects of the media in the interests of peace, justice, and social responsibility.
NICU'S SPOON
spoontheater.org
Founded in early 2001, Nicu’s Spoon is dedicated to producing socially reflective theatre that presents new ideas, challenges stereotypes, and touches the heart in an unexpected way. We are the central theater group in New York City who acts as a home for all - differing colors, abilities, ages, genders - we do not specialize in ‘the sight impaired’ or ‘the hard of hearing’ or ‘people of color’ - we are the only company which from day one has been a home for all artists - many may now join us or use us as a model but we are the central home base. We celebrate collaboration in developing productions that are pertinent for today’s global, diverse and rapidly changing world. New York City is full of people of different ethnicities and abilities; on the move and unheard. We give voice to those who are very much a part of our world, but whose stories often go untold. We are committed to involving the spectrum of diverse and multi-abled voices in play selection, programs & internships, our artistic, production and volunteer staffs, and in our audience.
Founded in early 2001, Nicu’s Spoon is dedicated to producing socially reflective theatre that presents new ideas, challenges stereotypes, and touches the heart in an unexpected way. We are the central theater group in New York City who acts as a home for all - differing colors, abilities, ages, genders - we do not specialize in ‘the sight impaired’ or ‘the hard of hearing’ or ‘people of color’ - we are the only company which from day one has been a home for all artists - many may now join us or use us as a model but we are the central home base. We celebrate collaboration in developing productions that are pertinent for today’s global, diverse and rapidly changing world. New York City is full of people of different ethnicities and abilities; on the move and unheard. We give voice to those who are very much a part of our world, but whose stories often go untold. We are committed to involving the spectrum of diverse and multi-abled voices in play selection, programs & internships, our artistic, production and volunteer staffs, and in our audience.
VSA Texas
http://www.vsatx.org
VSA Texas, the state organization on arts and disability, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that works to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Our mission is to promote the creative power in people with disabilities by working with all community members to facilitate full access to the cultural and educational arts. VSA Texas is a member of the international network of VSA, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
VSA Texas, the state organization on arts and disability, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that works to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Our mission is to promote the creative power in people with disabilities by working with all community members to facilitate full access to the cultural and educational arts. VSA Texas is a member of the international network of VSA, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.