Introducing our newest accessibility webinar series highlighting the experience of disabled patrons at film festivals and the impact that good (and bad) accessibility can have on a patron with a disability.

Structured around the theme of a dinner party, each session brings together guests with lived experience & unique perspectives on disability for a candid conversation around accessibility in the festival space. 

Each webinar is presented in two parts:

  • The Narrative — A conversation with a patron who has experienced festival accessibility, or inaccessibility, firsthand, offering insight into their perspective.
  • The Solutions — A discussion of practical strategies and best practices festivals can adopt to improve the experience for disabled patrons.

This series is led by Mikaela McParlan (FFA Accessibility Advisor), Michael McNeely (writer, advocate, and film enthusiast), and Melissa Simpson (FFA Board). Registration is free and open to the public here

Sessions

Webinar 1: Setting the Table

Intro to Disability, Statistics, and the "Fear of Mistakes."

Thursday, July 23rd | 2 PM EST

In our inaugural session, we are laying the groundwork for festival accessibility, exploring what true access looks like, why it benefits everyone, and how to build a roadmap that survives seasonal staff turnover.

Register Here 

Webinar 2: Guest Arrival

Mobility, Physical Access, and the "Companion/Support" Experience.

Thursday, August 27th | 2 PM EST

Our guests have officially arrived! The best way to make them feel welcomed is by thinking ahead and anticipating their needs before they even come through the door. In this session we will cover physical access to your screening space, as well as the Companion/Support experience.

Registration forthcoming

Webinar 3: The Sensory Menu

d/Deaf Access, Blind/Low Vision, and Neurodivergent-friendly spaces

Thursday, September 24th | 2 PM EST

Now that your guests are seated, it’s time to look at the menu. True hospitality means ensuring every single guest can fully digest and enjoy the program, which requires thoughtful planning. In this session we will talk about access for d/Deaf, Blind/Low Vision, and neurodivergent audiences.

Registration forthcoming

Webinar 4: The Virtual Suite

Online screenings, Immuno-compromised safety, and the "Virtual Encore."

Thursday, October 29th | 2 PM EST

Sometimes the best seat at the table is the one in your own home. For many in, online screenings aren't just a convenient alternative—they are the only way to safely and comfortably participate in film festival culture. In this session, we look at how to build an engaging virtual experience that honors the needs of all our remote guests.

Registration forthcoming

Webinar 5: The After-Party

Building the FFA Working Group & sustainable policy roadmaps

Thursday, November 19th | 2 PM EST

After that delicious meal, it’s time to wind down.. To wrap up our series, we gather to talk about long-term sustainability. Accessibility isn't a one-time project; it is a shared, ongoing journey. How do we build structural roadmaps that survive staff turnover, distribute the workload across departments, and ensure that "hospitality" becomes a permanent part of our festival cultures?.

Registration forthcoming

Meet Your Hosts

Michael McNeely

Michael McNeely is a family/human rights lawyer and accredited film critic. He is passionate about making sure events and society are as accessible as possible. He is also deaf-blind and uses his personal experiences to inform his work. He is also deaf-blind.

Mikaela McParlan

Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Mikaela McParlan’s passion for film brought her to Columbia College Chicago, where she fell in love with the city and built her career. With over a decade of experience as a film director, producer, assistant director, and animator, she has also made her mark in the film festival world. As Operations Manager at the Chicago International Film Festival, Mikaela led initiatives to improve accessibility, including founding the festival’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. In 2024, she expanded her expertise at the LEAD Conference and contributed to accessibility efforts at major festivals like SXSW.

Melissa Simpson

Melissa Simpson is the Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia, a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent filmmakers in Georgia. Born and raised just north of Atlanta, she holds a BS in Film & Digital Media from the University of North Georgia.

Melissa's passion for film is reflected in her experience in the industry. She has volunteered for and worked 24 film festivals across 6 different organizations. Additionally, she spent two years at Eventive, a ticketing and virtual streaming platform, where she collaborated with filmmakers and festivals worldwide.