In the world of film and entertainment, authentic disability representation matters. Yet for many disabled creatives, access to opportunity, visibility, and support can feel just out of reach. That’s where the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (EDFC) comes in—breaking down barriers and creating a space where disabled storytellers can shine.
At InnoCaption, we’ve always believed in the power of community and creativity—and this year, the challenge felt especially meaningful. Two individuals we’ve had the pleasure of working with and getting to know over the years—Becki Hayes and Elisa Richards—took part in the 2025 EDFC. Their involvement wasn’t just exciting—it was something we were proud to celebrate.
The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is an annual event where disabled creators are given five days to write, film, and edit a short film based on a specific genre. The goal is to open doors in the entertainment industry, increase authentic disability representation, and showcase the immense talent that exists within the disability community.
This year’s genre—thriller/suspense—inspired bold and compelling storytelling. And with a record 122 submissions, the challenge sent a clear message: disabled voices are not only present, they are leading the way.
Actress Becki Hayes, a familiar face in the InnoCaption community, starred in the short film “The Ides of May.” Written and produced over the course of the challenge week, the film was developed by a team of disabled and neurodivergent creatives and explored themes of leadership, identity, and power dynamics within a suspenseful, corporate setting.
Becki’s portrayal of Helena May, the fictional CEO of Autism Work Wellness, added emotional depth and authenticity to the film’s tension. Her involvement grounded the story and brought nuance to a narrative that invited audiences to reflect on the complexities of accountability and representation.
While the film was fictional, the collaboration behind it was genuine. Like so many EDFC entries, The Ides of May demonstrated the value of creating space for disabled artists to tell stories on their own terms—with their own voices, perspectives, and priorities.
Director, actress, and longtime InnoCaption collaborator Elisa Richards approached the challenge with ambition and vision. Her film, “CAUGHT,” was shot in one continuous take, with cast and crew members moving in precise coordination through multiple rooms.
Elisa described the process as an exercise in trust and collaboration. From planning each movement to refining emotional beats, the project required a full day of concentrated effort. With 35 percent of the team identifying as disabled, inclusivity was embedded into every stage of the production.
Throughout the process, Elisa wore multiple hats—directing, acting, and supporting her team. She brought both leadership and flexibility to the set, creating space for her crew to contribute while remaining deeply engaged in her own role. For her, the challenge was more than a creative exercise—it was an opportunity to build community and explore what’s possible when disabled artists take the lead.
That 122 teams submitted films this year speaks volumes. The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is about much more than producing short films. It’s about reshaping the broader landscape of storytelling. It’s about creating space where there hasn’t always been space—and celebrating the artistry and leadership of disabled creators not just during a single event, but all year long.
Representation on screen matters—not only in stories about disability, but in all stories where disabled individuals are central as creators, decision-makers, and protagonists. Authentic storytelling challenges assumptions, broadens perspectives, and opens doors for future generations.
This is why the work of individuals like Becki Hayes and Elisa Richards is so important. Through their artistry and commitment to inclusive storytelling, they are helping redefine what’s possible in film and media. They are not simply participants—they are advocates, leaders, and trailblazers.
We’re grateful to have crossed paths with them and to witness their continued impact.
Both “The Ides of May” and “CAUGHT” are now available to watch online. Whether you’re drawn to the craft, the suspense, or the message—these are stories worth experiencing.
To Elisa and Becki—thank you for the work you do and the stories you continue to tell. We look forward to seeing what comes next!
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
