Too often disabled people are excluded from conversations and their stories are told by non-disabled writers, reporters, and actors. Town Hall Seattle and Disability Rights Washington present film screenings and interactive discussion with representatives from Rooted in Rights, a unique organization in the media landscape that seeks to boost the voices of disabled individuals. Rooted in Rights invites us to identify and act on the critical need for disabled people to be at the forefront of journalism and creative media, telling their own authentic stories. Join us for short film screenings and a conversation at the intersection of creative media and disability rights.

Anna Zivarts, Rooted in Rights Director

Anna was born with nystagmus—a genetic condition that means her eyes are always shaking. She is not legally blind but can’t drive, recognize faces across the room, or read most signage. She joined the LGBT & HIV/AIDS Project at the American Civil Liberties Union as a storyfinder and videographer. In 2010, she co-founded Time of Day Media, a digital strategy firm that collaborates exclusively with social justice clients to tell stories that create change.

Moderator:

Allexa Laycock, Rooted in Rights Associate Editor

Allexa Laycock joined the Rooted in Rights team in 2018 as an associate editor after several years freelancing, creating fringe art, and making dance-for-the-camera short films. Allexa is an alum of the Comparative History of Ideas and Dance departments at the University of Washington where she focused on the intersection of dance and film. Her work strives to increase agency, radiate authenticity, and further conversation through video advocacy.

Panelists:

Daisy Wislar, 2019 Disability Rights Storytellers Fellow

Daisy Wislar is a queer and disability rights activist based in Boston who is passionate about the intersection of sexual rights and disability. They are the author of the award-winning thesis “‘What’s it like to be a lesbian with a cane?’: A Story and Study of Queer and Disabled Identities.” They previously interned at the Equal Rights Center in Washington, DC, where they assisted with efforts to advance and protect the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Paul Tshuma, Rooted in Rights Storyteller

Paul Tshuma is an author, choirmaster, voice teacher, motivational speaker, and accessibility consultant from Montreal, Canada. He is the co-founder of the United Tribulation Choir, author of five books, and the creator of an album and over 100 compositions. His latest creative endeavor is his documentary Breaking Barriers, which follows Paul as he pursues adaptive sailing for the first time.

Wilbert Johnson, Rooted in Rights Storyteller

Wilbert Johnson is a Rooted in Rights Storyteller, an advocate for people with disabilities, and a zookeeper at the Audubon Zoo—his dream job. He was featured by the National Disability Rights Network for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Disability Rights Washington.