In January, representatives from Easterseals Southern California attended the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. From a discussion with TheWrap to the announcement of the 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge genre, Easterseals’ footprint was unmissable at the festival. 

TheWrap Panel: Reimagining Hollywood

Easterseals Southern California representatives at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

While at Sundance, Easterseals participated in an insightful discussion, hosted by TheWrap, about the state of disability inclusion in Hollywood. Easterseals Chief Advancement Officer Nancy Weintraub and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Founder Nic Novicki sat down with TheWrap CEO Sharon Waxman to discuss a ground-breaking new report conducted by Easterseals. This report shows that representation of disabilities in media has stagnated despite a U.S. audience commanding $490 billion in spending power.  

Watch the full panel discussion on TheWrap’s website to hear more about what Easterseals is doing to address disability representation in entertainment.  

Learn more about the report and how Easterseals is putting disability in Hollywood front and center by visiting our Reimagining Hollywood webpage.  

Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Announcement  

On Saturday, January 25th, Nic Novicki, founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, announced this year’s film challenge genre: Thriller and Suspense!  

The 12th annual film challenge will kick-off on April 1st, so interested filmmakers must register by March 31. Winners will be announced in May at an awards ceremony at Sony Pictures Studios. Learn more about the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge on our website.  

Watch Nic’s Announcement from Sundance 

More Highlights from Sundance 

(L to R) Easterseals CEO Mark Whitley, Chief Advancement Officer Nancy Weintraub, and Senior Director of Partnerships Brynne Jones.

This year, Easterseals Southern California had the honor of being Sundance’s official press inclusion sponsor to help ensure diverse coverage of the festival. We also had the opportunity to support the launch of Shoshannah Stern’s directorial debut, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, a documentary about Marlee Matlin’s life and journey as the first deaf actor to win an Oscar.  

“The Sundance Film Festival attracts the world’s most creative minds and innovative thinkers in entertainment,” said Brynne Jones, Easterseals Senior Director of Partnerships. “Over the years, Easterseals has had a presence at Sundance to ensure that the disability community continues to be at the table. We look forward to seeing the fruits of these important conversations and initiatives as our Reimagining Hollywood report reaches new audiences.”  

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If you’d like to partner with Easterseals Southern California in our efforts to support disability representation in Hollywood or want to learn more about our Reimagining Hollywood report, please reach out to Brynne Jones, Senior Director of Partnerships.  

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During the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, leaders from Easterseals Southern California had the opportunity to discuss the future of healthcare delivery. 

Easterseals was honored to be among some of the world’s most influential tech companies, from healthcare and transportation innovation to personal technology.  

An Important Discussion with Easterseals Leaders 

Nancy Weintraub, Easterseals Chief Advancement Officer

At this year’s event, Easterseals Chief Advancement Officer Nancy Weintraub moderated a panel that included our Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, and Women’s Digital Health Founder Dr. Brandi Sinkfield. The live discussion, hosted by the organization Female Quotient, was called “Innovate to Include: Female Leaders Redefining Healthcare Delivery.” 

The panel focused on pressing healthcare challenges and talked about ways that technology, collaboration, and health literacy can create meaningful change. 

Panel Discussion Takeaways: 

• Community-based clinics and partnerships play an essential role. Local organizations, such as churches and community centers, are a highly effective way to reach underserved people, talk to them about their healthcare needs, and help amplify their voices. We need to meet people where they are. 

• Technology has great potential to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. From telehealth advancements to virtual reality (VR) tools that help patients overcome barriers like transportation, technology is transforming care.  

• Training healthcare providers, particularly in working with neurodiverse populations, is critical to addressing systemic inequities. VR can help in this area as well, by giving providers insight about what to expect. 

• We need to continue investing in women’s health, including outreach and mentorship for women of color in healthcare leadership. This is an ongoing effort. 

Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easterseals Chief Clinical Officer

Easterseals is in a position to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare and create better experiences for everyone involved. By sharing our expertise on panels like this, we can help influence the conversation, introduce new ideas, and change the way the world sees disability. 

Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven said, “We want to serve people where they are and provide technology in innovative ways…and we want to honor and listen to the voices of the neurodiverse population.” 

Watch the full conversation on LinkedIn and be sure to follow our LinkedIn page to stay informed about Easterseals’ involvement in innovation and inclusion efforts.  

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Positive psychology is transforming the way individuals and organizations approach wellness in their communities and in the workplace. At Easterseals Southern California, we’ve seen its impact first-hand. That’s why in 2025, our Autism Therapy Services team is thrilled to launch a new initiative for staff, participants, and their families centered around the PERMA+ model, a framework rooted in positive psychology.

The PERMA+ model highlights six essential elements that contribute to a person’s well-being: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning (Mattering), Accomplishment (Achievements), and Health. Each of these concepts play a vital role in enhancing an individual’s wellness, and we are committed to including this in our therapy services.

A child in Easterseals Therapy Services program participates in an activity centered around joy.

Why PERMA+ Matters to Easterseals

The PERMA+ model aligns with Easterseals’ holistic approach to care, emphasizing that wellness has many aspects. By focusing on the key elements of PERMA+, we can support not only the physical, emotional and mental health of our participants, but also the caregivers and associates who support our community. Balanced wellness leads to greater resilience, increased satisfaction, stress management, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

Our Commitment to Wellness

The Therapy Services team at Easterseals Whittier, CA location expresses what brings them joy through a collage project.

Over the next six months, the Autism Therapy Services team will take a deep dive into each of these PERMA+ categories. We will provide strategies, activities, and resources tailored to the unique needs of our associates, caregivers, and participants.

These activities will be showcased at all ten Easterseals therapy centers, spanning from San Diego to Thousand Oaks, with each therapy supervisor supporting the implementation of PERMA+ practices.

Additionally, we will hold monthly meetups to review and discuss our overall wellness scores and identify ways to better support employees and all members of our community. These gatherings will serve as an opportunity to share insights, celebrate progress, and foster a collective commitment to well-being.

We encourage employees and our community to join us on this journey as we explore workplace wellness.

The Therapy Services team at Easterseals Northridge, CA location expresses what amuses them through a collage project.

Our Partnership in Wellness

Easterseals Southern California’s partnership with Proof Positive has been vital in applying the principles of positive psychology to create meaningful impact. Through the integration of the PERMA+ framework—focusing on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and physical well-being—this collaboration supports the development of strengths-based approaches that empower individuals and communities to thrive. Together, we aim to foster resilience, enhance well-being, and build inclusive environments where everyone can flourish.

Stay tuned throughout the next six months and follow us on social media to see how Easterseals is making positive psychology an integral part of what we do through participant and employee engagement.

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If you’re interested in joining a supportive work environment that strives to make a positive impact, discover career opportunities with Easterseals  Southern California’s Autism Therapy Services on our website.

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Easterseals Southern California had a groundbreaking year in 2024, providing services to more than 20,000 children and adults. We have continued to drive innovation that makes independence and inclusion a reality by leading the disability services field forward. Take a look back at the advocacy efforts, new initiatives and programs, success stories, partnerships, events, and PSA campaigns that made 2024 such an impactful year!

Watch Our 2024 Year in Review Video 

Learn more about Easterseals Southern California’s disability and community support services on our website.

Start the New Year off with a new career at Easterseals and join an organization that is leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access for individuals with disabilities and beyond. Check out our job openings.

The post Easterseals Southern California’s 2024 Year in Review appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.

As part of Easterseals Southern California’s “Disability in Pop Culture” blog series, we’re highlighting family-friendly shows that are broadcasting disability representation on-screen, promoting inclusion and accessibility for young viewers.

Currently, only 16 percent of children’s programming features characters with disabilities, leaving many children without seeing themselves represented on screen. This lack of representation can lead to invisibility and stigma around disability.

It’s vital to celebrate shows that not only entertain but also educate young viewers about diversity and create inclusive environments. Below are several standout animated television shows that portray disability representation with care and authenticity. 

Thomas and Friends: All Engines Go

In 2022, Bruno the Brake Car was introduced as the first character with autism in this beloved series. Bruno was produced by Mattel in collaboration with the Easterseals Southern California Autism Services Team, Easterseals Ambassador Aaron Likens, and other organizations. Bruno is characterized by his joyful demeanor and love for routines, which resonates with many autistic children. His experiences with sensory overload and busy environments provide relatable moments for viewers, making him a significant addition to the Thomas and Friends universe.  

Where to stream: Netflix, Hulu (premium subscription), and Cartoon Network.  

Bluey

Bluey is another popular children’s show that features several inclusive characters with disabilities: Dougie, who is deaf, nonverbal and communicates using Australian Sign Language (Auslan), and Jack, a pup with ADHD and a big imagination. The show effectively highlights positive portrayals of their daily experiences without making their disabilities the sole focus of their characters, allowing kids to see them as multifaceted individuals.  

Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu (premium subscription)  

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

The hit children’s show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood features two notable characters with disabilities: Chrissie, who has cerebral palsy, and Max, who is autistic. Chrissie uses leg braces and forearm crutches and is shown participating in various activities like dancing and riding horses. Max’s character offers insight into the autistic experience by portraying his sensitivity to overwhelming stimuli and how he prefers individual play. These representations foster empathy and understanding in young viewers. 

Where to stream: PBS Kids, Hulu (premium subscription)  

HOP 

Lastly, HBO Max launched an original innovative children’s animated series called “Hop” that celebrates disability representation. The show follows a group of diverse friends led by Hop, a frog with uneven legs, who navigates comedic adventures while teaching kids about embracing differences. The show features unique characters like Filipa, a fiercely intelligent neurodivergent squirrel, and Benny, an alligator with many fears who discovers his bravery with the help of his friends.  

Where to stream: Max  

As these shows pioneer inclusivity and representation, we hope they inspire current and future shows to follow their lead. Positive representation in children’s media can help normalize disabilities and foster understanding among young viewers, promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

We’d love to hear from you! Which children’s shows have you seen that feature characters with disabilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more from our “Disability in Pop Culture” blog series!  

You can learn more about Easterseals SoCal’s disability and community services and how we support over 25,000 individuals across Southern California, including employees with disabilities, to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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