Disability Belongs, a national disability-led nonprofit known for creating systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, has announced a new virtual cohort of participants for its 2025 Entertainment Lab.
This year, 25 Fellows and one duo have been selected to participate in the lab. The cohort — which includes writers, directors, producers, and those working in physical production — will engage in interactive presentations, roundtables, and skill-building workshops with top executives and talent from major studios, networks, and production companies.
The 2025 participants include: Afia Serena Nathaniel, Alex Cottle, Ana Maria Defillo, Azure D. Osburne-Lee, Cat Youell & Brad Crowe, Chanthen Nene, Charlie T. Savage, Connor Roach, Dana Braziel-Solovy, James Caverly, Jeremy Andrew Davis, Kawan Glover, KeKe Williams, Lisa Hammer, Matthew Manson, Maxine Grossman, Miguel Martinez, Natalie Lomske, Rob Rufus, Sam Dunnewold, Sam Tracton, Stephani Victor, Vincent De Milo, and Zachary Brenner.
Among them, there are 10 writers, six writer/directors, four writer/producers, three writer/director/producers and two directors. The cohort boast creators from Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto, and 10 other cities across North America.
“As a disabled person in the industry, I often felt isolated, wondering if there was a place for me,” said Maddy Ullman, an alumna of the 2024 Lab. “Joining the Disability Belongs 2024 Cohort was truly life-changing, both in my career and personally. The community of passionate disabled creatives I gained helped me grow in many ways. I am more confident, a stronger writer, and a better person. Disability Belongs gave me invaluable knowledge that has been pivotal in my career. Forever grateful for the virtual lab. There is a place for me in the entertainment industry, and I know I can thrive.”
Launched in 2019, the Entertainment Lab is one of several pipeline programs offered by Disability Belongs for disabled entertainment professionals. In addition to the virtual lab, which runs from May to September, Disability Belongs will host two in-person intensives in 2025 focused on TV writing and unscripted content.
