In 2014, Ki’tay D. Davidson passed away at the age of 22. A black, transgender activist, Ki’tay also used his voice to amplify the experiences and stories of people with disabilities. In addition to creating the #DisabilitySolidarity hashtag, his leadership stimulated a movement. Now, the Adobe Crip Camp Fellowship honors his legacy.
According to New Mobility, the Adobe Crip Camp Fellowship is based on a documentary of the same name. Crip Camp, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Festival, aims to:
elevate not only an awareness about the civil rights struggles of the past but of the day-to-day struggles, both physical and interpersonal, that continue today for members of the disabled community.
Currently, content creators or other creatives with disabilities may apply for the Fellowship. Around 12 people will be chosen to participate within the 7-month program, which begins in August. They will receive a $5,000 stipend and a free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Applying for the Adobe Crip Camp Fellowship
In addition, participants will be mentored by individuals such as:
- Jillian Mercado. Jillian is an actress and model who is currently represented by IMG Models. She is also one of the only models in the industry with muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair.
- Jim LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham. These co-directors of Crip Camp have intensive experience within the film realm. According to The Alliance, Newnham is “an Emmy-winning documentary producer and director, four-time Sundance Film Festival alumnus and five-time Emmy-nominee.” LeBrecht has over 30 years in the media sphere, throughout which he has worked as a producer and disability advocate.
- Natasha Ofili. Best known for her roles in You and Me (2018) and The Politician (2019), Ofili is a proud advocate for the representation of deafness in film and entertainment. Oprah Magazine notes that Ofili lost her hearing at 18 months old. Now, she believes it is important for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to be able to break through systemic barriers.
- Alice Wong. Wong, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is a disability advocate, advisory board member of APID, and Presidential appointee to the National Council on Disability. She also founded the Disability Visibility Project.
- Alice Sheppard. As a dance choreographer with a wheelchair, Sheppard champions inclusion. Beyond touring with AXIS Dance Company, Sheppard also founded Kinetic Light.
- Storm Smith. Art director and producer Storm Smith is the first Deaf woman to be recruited by BBDO. Her work shares insight into disability rights, gender equality, and racial issues.
- Kaitlyn Yang. By the age of 30, Kaitlyn Yang had over 40 animation and image credits to her name.
Interested in applying? Find more information, or apply here, by July 21.
