Pace University to Host 5th Annual Celebration of Individuals with Disabilities in Film

The fifth anniversary of Pace University's annual Celebration of Individuals with Disabilities in Film is Thursday, March 23. The festival will be held from 4 pm to 9 pm in the Aniello Bianco Room at One Pace Plaza in lower Manhattan.

Pace's Disability Film Festival Marathon 2017 focuses on individuals with disabilities expressing dreams and hopes to be contributing members of society like other individuals without disabilities. The marathon highlights short documentary and narrative films from the Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York City, respecting the autonomy and the empowerment of people with disabilities. The event is free and open to the public.

The Disability Film Festival Marathon 2017 is a collaboration of the Dean for Students and the outreach programs of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems of Pace University, in close partnership with AHRC New York City, an agency for helping people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and with the ReelAbilities: New York Disabilities Film Festival. A panel of expert practitioners on the advocacy of disability rights in society will discuss the challenges and the opportunities highlighted in each of the films, with the panelists inviting engagement from guests. Following the panel discussion, moderators will engage in Q&A with audience guests in opinion polling on film themes.

Panelists include Victor Calise, Commissioner at the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities; Allan B. Goldstein, Senior lecturer, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Sibling; Maria Hodermarska; Parent and teacher, New York University; Gary Lind, Executive Director, AHRC New York City; Marilyn Jaffe-Ruiz, Professor emerita, Pace University, Sibling; and Isaac Zablocki, Co-founder and Director, ReelAbilities: New York Disabilities Film Festival. Moderators: Marijo Russell O'Grady, PhD, Dean for Students, Pace University; Melanie A. Greene, Seidenberg School, Information Technology and Marketing, Pace University; Greta Baier, Determined 3rd grader; and Gilda Lindenblatt, Self-advocate.

It all takes place at Pace University in the Aniello Bianco Room at One Pace Plaza (opposite City Hall), Manhattan (enter at 3 Spruce Street). On Thursday, March 23. Displays and Exhibits of Community Partners: 4 pm - 6 pm. Reception and Refreshments: 5 pm - 6 pm. Discussion and Films: 6 pm - 9 pm.

The festival encourages Pace students to inquire about Area of Knowledge (AOK) CIS 102W community engagement courses, disability inclusion initiatives, and disability outreach programs of the Seidenberg School of Pace University, including paid internship and mentoring projects with people with disabilities in New York City.