Up Abilities: Free, Inspirational Houston Festival

(From left) Jewish Family Service Chief Development Officer Rachel Davis and Sheryl Rapp, founder of The UP Experience, at last year’s UpAbilities event. 

ReelAbilities: Houston Film & Arts Festival will take center stage in Houston, Feb. 14-18, with free events and films at HCC Southwest and Edwards Greenway Grand Palace 24 focused on celebrating the stories of people who have disabilities. This year, Up Abilities will take place on Feb. 11 and will feature several renowned, inspirational speakers: Drew Lynch, a finalist on the 2015 season of America’s Got Talent, Eleanor Longden, a British psychology researcher and Kevin Pearce, a Winter X snowboard medal winner. They will describe their inspirational journeys.

Bellaire resident Sheryl Rapp, who’s passionate about helping to spread inclusion and diversity in Houston, took on the task of coordinating the appearances of these special guests for UP Abilities. “Celebrating the lives of people with disabilities was not only an amazing challenge but a completely rewarding and meaningful experience,” said Sheryl. 

For the first time, Up Abilities will be free to attendees, but register in advance, as space is limited. The event, which takes place on Feb. 11 at Houston Community College Southwest, starts with a reception at 6:15 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. There will be an opportunity for Q&A with all three speakers following the program.

 “{The} commitment to educate our community and promote equal rights for all people is truly a gift to this city,” said Sheryl. 

ReelAbilities is hosted by the Jewish Family Service Alexander Institute for Inclusion in collaboration with the City’s Department of Neighborhoods Houston’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. See the schedule of films here and see more about Up Abilities here.