2024 Helen Keller Achievement Awards Ceremony Celebrates Media Inclusion
April 18 2024 - 10:45PM
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) celebrated this evening
the achievements of those champions for inclusion in media and the
arts during its annual Helen Keller Achievement Awards held at the
Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. The
evening’s honorees — filmmaker Shawn Levy, actor and advocate
Marilee Talkington, and Lucasfilm Ltd. — were recognized for their
steadfast commitment to keeping Helen Keller’s spirit alive as they
drive inclusion in media for people with disabilities.
“Our honorees this year have truly demonstrated the power that
inclusive media can play toward making dreams a reality,” said AFB
president and CEO Eric Bridges. “Helen knew well how the power of
perception could be leveraged to expand opportunities for people
with disabilities, which is why we are excited to bring the awards
this year to Los Angeles and shine the light on those who bring
inclusion to the global stage.”
Shawn Levy is recognized for his outstanding work with the
recent Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See, which captured
the heartfelt story of a young blind woman who kept hope alive
during her nightly radio broadcast in Nazi-occupied France during
World War II. After a nationwide search to find the perfect
protagonist for the series, Levy cast the young first-time actor
Aria Mia Loberti, who brought unique authenticity to the role.
Under Levy’s direction, Loberti transcended the common tropes often
ascribed to someone who is blind and brought forward a genuine
humanity that speaks to anyone who has ever wrestled with love
amidst loss.
With over 25 years of experience on stage and screen, Marilee
Talkington has proven that a visually impaired actor's diverse
range of experiences can deepen a person’s craft in the dramatic
arts. Talkington is honored not just for breaking through the glass
ceiling for performers with disabilities but also for clearing a
path for others to follow. Founding the AC3: Access Acting Academy,
the first-of-its-kind actor training studio for performers who are
blind or have low vision, has allowed Talkington to shift the
perception of performers with disabilities. But Talkington’s
advocacy also extends its reach to fans of the visual arts, having
worked with institutions like the Guggenheim Museum to make art
more accessible for patrons who are blind, low-vision, or have
other disabilities.
Lucasfilm was recognized during the evening ceremony for its
long-standing commitment to providing the highest quality of
audio-described content for audiences who are blind, deafblind, or
have low vision. Accepting the award was Michael Kohn, Director of
Distribution Operations for Lucasfilm, who is responsible for
expanding accessible media across Disney’s vast network of
distribution channels. Under Kohn’s leadership, Lucasfilm has been
recognized as a leader in creating and distributing audio-described
content, having also received the 2022 People’s Choice Award from
the American Council of the Blind.
Since 1994, the Helen Keller Achievement Award has recognized
the finest thought leaders, change-makers, and performing artists
committed to carrying on Keller's mission to create a world of full
and equal inclusion for people with disabilities. For over 40
years, Helen Keller was AFB's leading ambassador, inspiring
millions worldwide as she demonstrated all that can be accomplished
through determination and perseverance.
AFB continues to honor Keller's legacy by recognizing
exceptional individuals and organizations from industry, education,
and the arts who have distinguished themselves in pursuit of
expanding possibilities for those who are blind, deafblind, or have
low vision. Past honorees include author and advocate Haben Girma,
tech leader and entrepreneur Bernard Newcomb, Chef Christine Ha,
actor Charlie Cox, and performing artists Ray Charles and Stevie
Wonder.
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates
equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are
blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought
leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to publishing
the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is
also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is
available on the AFB website at www.afb.org.
Contact:Tony Stephens, Director of Communications
917.676.5266 | tstephens@afb.org