Beyond the Frame: Amplifying Disability Stories

Join us at UC Berkeley on October 28, 2026, for “Beyond the Frame,” an accessible film event showcasing two powerful films amplifying disability-focused stories. This event hopes to foster community and spark meaningful dialogue. Following the screening, a panel featuring disability advocates will discuss the films and broader disability issues. We hope to see you there! Panelists: Mike Esposito Mike is a San Francisco-based creative producer, documentary filmmaker, and brand strategist. He produced The Rebound: A Wheelchair Basketball Story alongside director Shaina Allen, and co-founded Evergrain Studios. The Rebound has screened at 25+ film festivals worldwide, been licensed by Netflix, Delta Airlines and has been used in classrooms and academic research at universities across the country. Karen Lohr Karen has had two spinal cord injuries, is a service dog handler, and works in UC Berkeley Housing approving accommodations for over 2,300 students with disabilities. She played sled hockey on the USA Women’s Team and on local teams in Arizona and Connecticut. She’s participated in adaptive downhill skiing and adaptive water sports including crew/rowing, adaptive surfing, adaptive swim team, water skiing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. She is a certified adaptive scuba diver, and has played wheelchair rugby since 2016. She played in an international women’s wheelchair rugby tournament in Paris on a mixed country team, and also on the USA team. Locally, she participates in adaptive sports through the Berkeley Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) including rugby, kayaking, handcycling, tennis, and camping, and she participates in adaptive sailing with the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors. This year she will play on a women’s development wheelchair rugby team across the United States. Lee Pugsley Lee is a visually impaired actor, writer, producer, and director whose work champions authentic disability representation and accessibility on stage and screen. His short film “Audio Description” won Best Film at the 2024 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and his films have screened at festivals including Slamdance, HollyShorts, and Heartland. Drawing from his experience as both a disabled artist and filmmaker, Lee frequently speaks on inclusive casting, disability representation, and accessibility in the entertainment industry, including at events hosted by Paramount Global, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and film festivals across the country. Matt Scott Matt has carved his name in Paralympic history. A five-time paralympian, Matt’s dedication to excellence has propelled him to the top of his sport. His impressive career with Team USA includes back-to-back Paralympic gold (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), and a 12-year professional wheelchair basketball career. Matt’s influence transcends the court. He became the first paralympian in a Nike commercial, and his ability to captivate audiences showcasing his skills has led to endorsements from some of the world’s leading brands. Matt has been a powerful advocate for adaptive sports and was nominated for an ESPY for his contributions, and he is passionate about uplifting the disabled community. In addition to his athletic and professional achievements, Matt made history in 2024 by becoming the first and only paralympian to report on both the Olympics and Paralympics, ultimately earning an Emmy for his work. Matt’s dual reporting highlights the need for diverse voices and perspectives in Sports journalism, setting a precedent for future inclusion. Admission Information: Free and open to the public, please reserve your spot using the linked RSVP Google form. Support the event by contributing Event begins at 2:00 PM, Accessibility Arrival Instructions RSVP Google form Panelist Biographies