Inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards announce 2026 nominees. Easterseals Disability Services and Film Independent today announced comedian Tina Friml as host of the inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS), which recognize outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television and social media, honoring filmmakers, performers and creators who are reshaping narratives and setting a new standard for disability inclusion. The organizations also announced the 2026 nominees in nine competitive categories (full list below) and revealed that acclaimed actor, comedian, activist, author and speaker Geri Jewell will receive the first-ever Legacy Award, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to disability representation in entertainment. Formerly known as the Media Access Awards, the inaugural DARCYS awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and will be broadcast on PBS SoCal (date TBD), with rebroadcasts on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). "As we launch The DARCYS, we are thrilled to honor the extraordinary talent helping to reshape the way disability is seen and understood," said Mark Whitley, President & CEO of Easterseals Southern California, "and proud to have Tina Friml bring her unique voice, humor and perspective to this celebration of authentic representation. From the nominees who are telling powerful, authentic stories, to Geri Jewell, whose groundbreaking career opened doors for generations to come, this year's honorees embody the progress we want to see across entertainment and popular culture." The ceremony is co-produced by Film Independent Spirit Awards' Executive Producers Shawn Davis and Andrew Schaff, in collaboration with Live Digital Entertainment Executive Producer Eddie Delbridge. "I can't wait to celebrate this extraordinary group of nominees who are bringing their talent, creativity and unique voices to our industry," said Davis. "It's inspiring to see the work they're doing, the impact they're making and the ways they are helping shape the future of entertainment. I'm equally excited to be working with Tina Friml as our host. Tina brings such a fresh, fearless and hilarious perspective to everything she does, and I look forward to seeing her bring that energy, joy and incredible sense of humor to the DARCYS stage." Tina Friml Hosts Friml brings her distinctive voice and sharp comedic perspective to a ceremony dedicated to celebrating authentic disability representation. Born with cerebral palsy, the stand-up comedian challenges perceptions of disability through humor and personal storytelling, embodying the mission of The DARCYS. Friml made her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has appeared on Comedy Central's Stand-Up Featuring, as well as Don't Tell Comedy. A 2019 New Face at the Just for Laughs Festival, Friml has built a devoted following and performs to sold-out audiences across the country. "Authentic representation of disability, or of any underspoken identity, needs three things: Confrontational honesty, unapologetic confidence and the revealing moments which happen outside of the average sight line," said Friml. "I'm honored to be a part of casting a light on the new generation of visionaries who will raise the level of disability storytelling closer to where it deserves to be." The Inaugural Nominees Are: Best Feature Presented to the director, writer, producer and featured talent. * Color Book Director/Writer/Producer: David Fortune Producers: Autumn Bailey-Ford, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno Featured Talent: Jeremiah Daniels * Espina Director/Writer/Producer: Daniel Poler Producers: Jorge Abarca, Paulina Mondragón, Gloria Ortega, Ari Tan, Frida Torresblanco Featured Talent: Jonathan Benaim * Horsegirls Director/Writer: Lauren Meyering Writer/Producer: Mackenzie Breeden Producers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael Sherman Featured Talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab Best Performance in a Feature * Autumn Best BRB * Aidan Delbis Bugonia * Anna Sargent Take Me Home Best Documentary Presented to the director and producer. * The Haunting of Pennhurst Directors/Producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. Stenberg Producer: Daniel J. Chalfen * The Ride Ahead Director/Producer: Dan Habib Director: Samuel Habib * You Look Fine Director/Producer: J. Snow Best Scripted Series Presented to the creator, executive producer, co-executive producer and featured talent in multiple episodes. * All Her Fault Creator/Executive Producer: Megan Gallagher Executive Producers: Jennifer Gabler Rawlings, Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Christine Sacani, Sarah Snook, Minkie Spiro, Joanna Strevens Featured Talent: Daniel Monks * The Pitt Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill Executive Producers: Simran Baidwan, Michael Hissrich, Erin Jontow, Joe Sachs, John Wells, Noah Wyle Featured Talent: Tal Anderson, Jessica "Limer" Flores, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton * Pulse Creator/Executive Producer: Zoe Robyn Executive Producers: Carlton Cuse, Emma Forman, Bradley Gardner, Michael Klick Co-Executive Producers: Shepard Boucher, Ann Cherkis, Helen Childress, Johanna Lee, Joshua Troke Featured Talent: Jessy Yates Best Performance in a Scripted Series * Liz Carr Good Omens * Daniel Monks All Her Fault * Jessy Yates Pulse Best Unscripted Series Presented to the creator, executive producer and co-executive producer. * Jay & Pamela Executive Producers: Julie Insogna-Jarrett, Seth Jarrett, Chaney Moon, David St. John Co-Executive Producers: Rahel Tennione, Carrie Vandiver Skor * Love on the Spectrum Creator/Executive Producer: Karina Holden, Cian O'Clery * Renegades Creator: Day Al-Mohamed Series Producer: Amanda Upson Executive Producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Charlotte Mangin Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble Presented to one film's director or series creator, casting director and featured ensemble cast. * The Pitt Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill Casting Directors: Erica Berger, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond Featured Ensemble Cast: Tal Anderson, Jessica "Limer" Flores, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award Created by Christopher Reeve, this award is presented to an up-and-coming actor who is living with paralysis in support of their career in entertainment. Includes a $5,000 cash grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. * Vincent Rutley Actor, Disability Influencer, Author Best Social Creator Presented to the content creator(s) who host(s) and produce(s) the affiliated account. * Molly Burke @MollyBurkeOfficial * Cassidy Huff @CassHuff * The Squeaky Wheel @thesqkywheel Geri Jewell to be Honored Jewell will be recognized with the inaugural DARCYS Legacy Award, which celebrates individuals with disabilities whose bold advocacy and groundbreaking work have transformed the entertainment, arts and culture landscape, blazing a trail for meaningful disability representation and generating lasting impact. Jewell began her career as a stand-up comedian at The Comedy Store in 1978 and has since built a multifaceted career as an actor, advocate, motivational speaker and trainer. She shattered barriers when Norman Lear cast her as Cousin Geri on the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life, making her the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a primetime television series. She went on to appear in television and film projects including Deadwood, Sesame Street, 21 Jump Street, The Young and the Restless, Strong Medicine and Alcatraz. Jewell is the author of I'm Walking as Straight as I Can, which received the 2012 Gold Award from Independent Publishers, and in 2026 released Geri's Jewels & Gems, a collection of her columns for Ability Magazine. Behind the Scenes Eligibility includes specific requirements ensuring that the disability inclusion is substantive, sustained, and integral to the work being recognized. Nominees and winners are determined by industry committees composed of filmmakers, critics, past Media Access Awards honorees and industry guild and nonprofit organization representatives. The DARCYS are committed to meaningful representation within this process, with a majority of committee members being individuals with disabilities. A Disability Advisory Committee brought together by Easterseals includes a talented group of disabled individuals who work in the industry. Led by co-chairs Emily Ladau and Nicole Lynn Evans, other members include Jamie Brewer, Christine Bruno, Lawrence Carter-Long, Ashley Eakin, Danny J. Gomez, CJ Jones, Danny Kurtzman, Jim LeBrecht, Lachi, Sue Ann Pien and Lolo Spencer. Loading...

Comings & Goings: may 2026. Comings & Goings is an occasional feature of Connections in which we highlight promotions, retirements, transitions and more from ANCOR's provider agency and state association members. Welcome new members. We are delighted to welcome three new organizations to ANCOR's growing community of disability service providers and supporters of the field: * The Arc Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL * CapGrow Partners in Chicago, IL * Cedar Valley Services in Austin, MN * DSPN in Madison, WI * Mattingly Edge in Louisville, KY Jeanne Marshall named Chief Executive Officer of Easterseals Midwest. Jeanne Marshall, who currently serves as President of Easterseals Midwest, has been named Chief Executive Officer. On the promotion, Marshall said, "I am honored to step into this role and humbled by the trust the board, our team, and the people we support have placed in me." She also noted the impact of current CEO, Wendy Sullivan, who is retiring. "Wendy's legacy over four decades is a testament to what unwavering dedication to our mission looks like, and it is my privilege to carry that mission forward." ADAPT names Jenna Mandel-Ricci as new Chief Executive Officer. Before entering her new role with ADAPT, Mandel-Ricci served as Chief of Staff at the New York City Health Department. While there, she helped to lead the nation's largest local public health department. On her hiring, ADAPT's Board of Directors said 'We could not be more excited to share the news and have Jenna join our growing organization... She is fully committed to advancing ADAPT's mission as a person-centered, holistic support system for everyone we serve across their lifespan.' Michelle beery-brooks named Chief Operating Officer of New England Village. Michelle Beery-Brooke has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in human services, including leading and supporting multidisciplinary, community-based programs across intellectual and developmental disability and behavioral health systems. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, she will champion New England Village's mission and values, and reinforce the organization's commitment to quality, accountability, and a workforce that feels supported and valued. Midstate Arc welcomed kat Wood as new Chief Operating Officer, beginning december 2026. Kathryn 'Kat' Wood, current Director of Community Integration at Midstate Arc, will be moving in the Chief Operating Officer role at the end of the year. On the hire, Midstate Arc wrote 'Kat brings an impressive 25 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her background includes 9 years in a director role and 17 years in management and direct support. Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation for exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and fostering high-performing teams.' André Floyd is ANCOR's Senior Communications Manager. Have something you'd like to see included in an upcoming edition of Comings & Goings? Reach out to André by email.