After Oscars, 5 Productions Receive Honor for Commitment to Authentic Representation

April 6, 2026

Ruderman Family Foundation’s Seal of Authentic Representation recognizes “Code of Silence,” “Pulse,” “Good Bad Things,” “We Might Regret This,” and “A Different Man” for their inclusive casting decisions.

Boston, MA, April 6, 2026 – On the heels of the 98th Academy Awards, five productions have received the Ruderman Family Foundation’s annual Seal of Authentic Representation, a recognition that affirms the casting decisions of films and television series which demonstrate a commitment toward full inclusiveness in popular culture.

The Foundation awards the Seal when productions meet two criteria: they feature actors with disabilities with a speaking role of at least five lines; and they are in, or on the verge of, general release.

This year’s honorees includes:

• “Code of Silence,” a crime drama series released in May 2025 on BritBox, which cast actor who is deaf Rose Ayling-Ellis as Alison Woods, a character with the same disability.

“Each year, our Seal of Authentic Representation recognizes productions that understand an essential truth: authentic storytelling begins with authentic and inclusive casting,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “Especially in close proximity to this year’s Academy Awards, it is crucial to highlight the creators and producers who are opening doors for actors with disabilities and ensuring their stories are told by those who live them. We are proud to honor their commitment, and we hope their example continues to move the entertainment industry toward a widely adopted standard of authentic representation.”

Lee Getty, co-creator and co-writer for “We Might Regret This,” said, “‘We Might Regret This’ was created from the belief that people should be able to tell their own stories on their own terms, without being reduced to stereotypes. Authentic casting was essential to the honesty of the show. Kyla Harris brought lived experience, humor, and creative authority to the role of Freya, shaping the character in ways that only she could. Recognition for that approach matters because it reinforces something fundamental: representation means nothing without agency, collaboration, and intention.”

Danny Kurtzman—writer, producer, and lead actor for “Good Bad Things,” stated, “I am very grateful to have been awarded the Ruderman Family Foundation Seal of Authentic Representation for my role in ‘Good Bad Things,’ that I got to write and produce with my best friend, Shane Stanger. The opportunity to tell my authentic disabled story in our beautiful film, has already had such a huge impact on so many lives. For most of my disabled life, I heard stories that I accepted as my truth. Stories like, ‘Because I’m disabled everything would be harder. Because I’m disabled, I’ll be lucky to find love. Because I’m disabled, I’m a defect of the society we live in.’ That ‘I’m broken.’ None of these are true. These are society’s story about me and the disabled community that we’ve accepted as our truth. When we as a community begin to write our own story, it unleashes a power where anything is possible.”

Maribeth Fox, Casting Director for “A Different Man,” shared, “Adam Pearson needs to be acknowledged, not just as one of the finest disabled actors of our time, but as one of the finest actors currently working. His storytelling ability, creation of character, enthusiasm, and buoyancy for the craft of acting is not to be ignored. The stories from the set were ones of Adam holding court with everyone. He creates community wherever he steps and makes everyone feel more comfortable and secure in their jobs. It is an honor to share a credit with Adam. Casting directors are looking for disabled talent. You belong everywhere and deserve to be represented, included, and celebrated equally. We want to help you tell your stories, we want to honor the disability that makes you unique.”

“Ideally casting the role of a character that has a disability with an actor who has a disability is what everyone wants,” added Vickie Thomas, “Pulse” Casting Director. “It’s not a lack of desire. It’s usually a lack or limited number of choices that can hamper this. I think we were very fortunate and thrilled to find not just a disabled actor but also a good actor in Jessy Yates to play the role of Harper Simms in ‘Pulse.’ Hopefully, her casting inspires other disabled people to consider acting as a career possibility.”

About the Ruderman Family Foundation

The Ruderman Family Foundation is an internationally recognized organization, advancing a myriad of social justice issues worldwide. The Foundation supports effective programs, innovative partnerships and a dynamic approach to philanthropy in advocating for and advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout society.

The Ruderman Family Foundation believes that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing community and imposes these values within its leadership and funding. For more information, please visit www.rudermanfoundation.org