Disabilities in Film Organization Highlight: Inclusivity Media

The Missouri Film Office is proud to introduce a series that highlight organizations that are doing their part to bring inclusivity and inclusion to the forefront of the Entertainment industry. Our office looks to highlight these organizations that are doing their part to raise awareness in Missouri.

Inclusivity Media, a nonprofit organization based in Missouri, is focused on bridging the gap between representation and the film industry. Working alongside the community it serves, Inclusivity Media’s mission is “to foster inclusion and accessibility in film, television and digital media of women, people with disabilities, historically marginalized populations and underrepresented groups.”

The collective effort to bring Inclusivity’s mission to life is spearheaded by Founder and Board Member Michelle Davidson. Having previously served as the Film in MO and Kansas City Women in Film and TV president, Davidson, alongside her mother Dr. Betty Davidson, created the organization with the idea in mind that inclusion should be more than a box needing to be checked.

“I saw that there was a need to support filmmakers, especially through giving unique voices a platform to help them produce their work.” As an actor, writer and producer, Davidson has spent a lot of time on film sets working to see how she can help support historically underrepresented communities trying to break into film. “We are Missouri based; however, we serve filmmakers across the country, but we do have fiscally sponsored projects that are based in Missouri.”

Fiscal sponsorship opportunities are an important way Davidson hopes the organization can support filmmakers. Working closely with Board Member and Fiscal Sponsorship Director Linda Wiedmaier, the two came together to help support Inclusivity’s mission.

“We have two programs that are helping to support filmmakers.” Davidson states. “The first is a fiscal sponsorship where we secure funding for filmmakers as a non-profit to help them raise funds through donations.” According to the Inclusivity Media’s website, “Fiscal sponsorships is a way for makers of film, TV or digital media to secure funding from individuals, foundations, governments or corporations that only give funds to IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations like Inclusivity Media.”

Opening in early July, Emerging Filmmaker in Development Grant will be the second program where the organization will give away two $500 grants to grow and expand their professional development in film. “If they are telling a story that centers on a member of a disability community or an underrepresented group, we welcome their application,” says Wiedmaier, expressing that fiscal sponsorships have been an overall success. Other fiscally sponsored projects include Sound off, a short film featuring a 95% deaf Kansas City actor, Smiling Faces, a TV pilot to be directed by Raven-Symoné Pearman-Maday, and Birdie, which was released at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival as part of the Short Film Program.

The importance of representation is also mirrored in Inclusivity Media’s board, which is something both Wiedmaier and Davidson understood needed to be a sincere reflection of Inclusivity’s mission. Nicolas Noblitt, who uses a wheelchair, understands firsthand what sincere accessibility on set could mean for his career as an actor. Serving as a board member alongside his mother, Natalie Noblitt, who is a part of the advisory team with Inclusivity Media, they have joined Inclusivity Media’s mission to raise awareness and to provide educational awareness that has often gone overlooked.

“We would like to offer information regarding set etiquette,” expresses Wiedmaier. “Speaking with Nicolas, we have a real understanding there was a need in providing education about set etiquette. “If a production employes an actor who’s in a wheelchair, or someone with a hearing or visual disability or any sort of disability, we want them to be aware of what they can do to better support these individuals on the set.”

Inclusivity’s mission goes beyond its ability to offer fiscal support, but the chance to offer representation in a way that demands a broader conversation around accessibility.

“We hope our program only grows and grows, and you’ll have more actors like Nicolas who feel accurately represented and supported,” says Davidson. In no uncertain terms, the industry itself is going through a transition, however Inclusivity Media is determined to demand a seat at the table. “I’d love to continue to work with people I feel continuously inspired by. As creative people, we must continue to advocate for art that is created by humans, and as consumers we should also advocate for that same authenticity. We must continue to fight for real people doing real things.”

To learn more about Inclusivity Media, and how you could get involved and show your support, follow the link here.