New York City-based Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, prolific EDM vocalist, and producer. Being legally blind, Lachi advocates for Disability Culture, inclusion, and accessibility in the music and entertainment industries. A leader in disability inclusion, she is the Founder and President of RAMPD, a coalition of established Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities who serve to advocate in the music industry. Her winning smile and effervescent personality will undoubtedly give you the confidence you might be missing. Continue reading to learn more about Lachi’s career, advocacy, and new song “Black Girl Cornrows.”

Lauren Buglioli Will Keep You Tuned In

Actress Lauren Buglioli is professionally dramatic. In addition to her being a talented actress, Lauren has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, which she uses to help improve the lives of children — coaching and teaching kids in acting and working with special needs children. When she isn’t busy working hard, she is being a voice for self-love and body positivity in the industry and on social media, sharing her own struggles with unrealistic body expectations that we placed on her at a young age. Please read on to learn more about Lauren and how she uses her talents for good.

The Unique McLeod Family

The McLeod Family is one unique family full of love! Mom, Eeka, always dreamed of adopting and now she has three one of a kind kids: Eli, Evan, and Ella! Can we just talk about how cute it is that everyone in this family has an E name?? Eli has Cerebral Palsy and Evan and Ella are on the Autism Spectrum. Evan is extra fabulous as he is already so self-aware that he knows he is non-binary and loves wearing dresses. To learn more about this adorable family, please read our exclusive interview below.

Discussing Inclusivity and Disability Representation With Tal Anderson

Tal Anderson is an actor and director based in Los Angeles, CA. Big into storytelling from a young age, Anderson started officially acting right before high school. You may recognize her from the Netflix series “Atypical” as ‘Sid,’ a role that was written specifically for her. Anderson describes going into the casting call for a small three-line role in Episode 2 of Season 3, but ending up getting a call for Sid after the show-runner saw her audition. Anderson also has a leading role in the national campaign for Delivering Jobs, which is in partnership with Best Buddies and Special Olympics promoting jobs for disabled people. As an autistic actor, Anderson works with organizations the work to promote inclusivity and disability representation. She is an official ambassador for Awareness Ties, a contributor to Neuroclastic, and a speaker with The Inspire Project. She also enjoys making films for the annual Disability Film Challenge. Read on to learn more about Anderson’s important work towards inclusivity and representation!

Scott Magnus: Nothing Is Bigger Than Loving Yourself

Sometimes people need to hear that no mistake is bigger than us. Sometimes a song can remind us to love ourselves. Manchester-based actor and musician Scott Magnus's debut single “Diamond In The Rough” is the first in a series of singles being released from his six-track EP Comeback Stronger. It teaches us to accept ourselves and our mistakes, loving ourselves without thinking about what others say about us. Scott Magnus has amassed an ever-growing fanbase who not only enjoys his covers and original songs, but also the sketch comedy he creates and performs prolifically. He is an outspoken supporter of people with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties because he has ADHD, Autism, and Dyspraxia. Scott turns the experiences he encounters as someone with disabilities into music that can heal, and inspire anyone facing difficult obstacles. Check out our interview below to find out more about Scott Magnus.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 36Başak YirmibeşogluSeptember 21, 2021#music, #scottmagnus, #autism, #ADHD, #actor, disability, disability rights, learning disabilities, ADHD, musicComment

VINOK—A Statement Of Authenticity & Social Change In A Land Unknown

The Ukrainian-based Indie-rock band VINOK is a statement of authenticity and social change to create a new culture of justice in a land of the unknown. VINOK uses its unique sound and powerful lyrics to bring awareness and create discussions about various social issues. Their topics range from religion, women’s rights, and disability rights. Only established in 2019, the band has already graced some of the biggest festivals in Eastern Europe such as Ukraine’s Respublica Festival and Poland’s Slot Festival. Their latest single “Elephant Girl” is a story of transformation and the spiritual awakening of a female person with a disability. The title of the song is in reference to Elephant Man, a true story of a person who was judged and maltreated exclusively because of his appearance. The members of VINOK—Nathalie, Ilya, and Anton—all as individuals, have experienced or seen the hardships and tragedies life can have. To learn more about VINOK, their latest single, and each member, read our interview below.

The Talented & Fabulous Tamela D’Amico

Tamela D’Amico is an established actress and singer, residing in Los Angeles. She is best known for her role on Disney’s “Best Friends Whenever” and Amazon’s “Englishman in L.A.”, for which she was awarded “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Web Series” by LA WEB FEST. Tamela is also a recording artist and her music has been heard on more than 140 national radio and cable outlets. She sings the theme song “Love and the Gun” in both English and Italian for the film, Rob the Mob. In Tamela’s latest film, One Little Finger, Tamela plays Raina, an American Neurologist researching music therapy in India. The Indian-American film is an inspirational story on music therapy and purpose is to educate people about the abilities of those with disabilities. All of the money earned is going straight into the One Little Finger Foundation. At the moment, Tamela is working on a new antiviral film project that includes short films threaded together from all over the world about the pandemic experience. Please read our full interview with Tamela D’Amico below.

You Will Know Peyton Stilling

At just the young age of 18, Peyton Stilling has already garnered acclaim from the likes of NPR Music and Mahogany Sessions, as well as American Songwriter and Earmilk. Her latest single “Healing” is both raw and honest. Inspired by the heartbreak she’d gone through, her vulnerability and pain are evident through the lyrics and overall song. Her last single “Forest through the Trees” has garnered over 200k streams on Spotify alone. Besides doing music, Peyton makes time to help those with disabilities. From giving back to her community, garnering acclaim from notable media organizations, working with Grammy-nominated producers, to being a talented singer and songwriter, Peyton Stilling is on route to establishing her name in the music industry. Mark my words. Please continuing reading for our exclusive interview with Peyton below.

The Vanished - Supporting Disabled Artists in Film and Media - by Lauren Humm Fakete

Rachel Handler is an actress and director from Jersey City, NJ, who just so happens to be missing a leg. That turn of events has shaped what roles she can now get, but she doesn’t feel like it should limit her. Check out her latest short film she directed and starred in for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge here, and learn more about this amazing woman!

Art, Reviewed, zIssue 9Jejune ContributorApril 22, 2019Film, film festival, films, disability, disability rights, Art, short films, actressComment