HRTS, Easterseals unite for reimagined Disability Arts Darcys

HRTS has expanded its longstanding relationship with Easterseals Disability Services, partnering with the nonprofit organization for the 2026 Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, also known as the Darcys.

Variety reported the collaboration marks the most significant partnership between the two organizations to date and aims to further promote accessibility and authentic disability representation across the entertainment industry.

HRTS to Support the 2026 Darcy Awards

The Hollywood Radio and Television Society will serve as a community partner for the 2026 Darcys, which are scheduled to take place on Oct. 10 in Santa Monica.

Originally established in 1979 by legendary television producer Norman Lear, the awards were previously known as the Media Access Awards before being rebranded as the Darcys.

As part of the new partnership, HRTS and Easterseals Disability Services will also co-sponsor the event's afterparty.

New HRTS Access Leadership Award to Be Introduced

A key feature of the collaboration will be the introduction of the HRTS Access Leadership Award.

The honor will recognize an executive or producer whose work has advanced accessibility and representation within the entertainment industry, whether through storytelling, behind-the-scenes initiatives or broader inclusion efforts.

Organizers said details regarding the nomination process for the new award will be announced at a later date.

Longstanding Collaboration Focuses on Accessibility

The partnership builds on years of collaboration between HRTS and Easterseals Disability Services.

The organizations have previously worked together on initiatives designed to improve accessibility in Hollywood while encouraging more authentic portrayals of people with disabilities on screen.

The latest agreement further strengthens those shared goals at a time when conversations surrounding inclusion and representation continue to gain momentum across the industry.

Leaders Celebrate Expanded Partnership

The announcement was made by HRTS board president Tim McNeal, HRTS chair David Madden, HRTS CEO and HRTS Foundation chair Melissa Grego, alongside Easterseals Southern California chief advancement officer Nancy Weintraub.

"We are honored to extend our long-standing relationship with Easterseals and join forces with them on the newly reimagined Darcys, which stand to take the recognition of disability representation and authentic filmmaking in our industry to the next level," McNeal said.

Weintraub also welcomed the expanded collaboration, noting that the HRTS community has played an important role in advancing accessibility efforts within the entertainment business.

"We are truly excited to grow our relationship with the HRTS community, which has helped lay the groundwork for this broad cultural moment, as we relaunch the Media Access Awards as the Darcys," she said.

Submission Window Now Open

Submissions for the 2026 Darcy Awards officially opened on June 16 and will remain open through July 14.

Meanwhile, HRTS board members JoAnn Alfano, Vivian Cannon, Cliff Decatrel and DJ Nurre, along with HRTS advisory council member Kelly Goode, will serve as co-chairs of the Darcys afterparty as preparations continue for the October event.