Text says ‘Visibility Creates Belonging!’ 3 females sitting in wheelchairs in the lobby of an event.
Representation matters!
When people with rare diseases and disabilities are seen and heard, communities grow stronger. Visibility changes perceptions—and opens doors to empathy, understanding and inclusion.
#RepresentationMatters #VisibilityCreatesChange #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Did you see our Founder & Executive Director on Keloland Living today? She joined hosts Ashley Thompson and Mitchell Olson. Together they discussed The Film Festival — happening this week.
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RBDTheFilmFestival #TheFilmFestival www.keloland.com/keloland-liv...
Because representation begins with a single step.
And that one step can change everything.
In 2026, we’ll celebrate 5 years of The Style Show: A Runway to Empower!
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #TheStyleShow #NYFW
Come see her and our amazing slate of films at this year’s festival! Tap the link and get your tickets. 🔗 🎟️ 2025TheFilmFestival.eventbrite.com
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background and at the top, there is a laurel with text that says ‘Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025.’ There is a white background with text says 'The Rare by Design Film Festival is a powerful reminder to me that every individual's uniqueness deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated.' There is a small circle image of Sara next to text that says 'SARA TEBBEN Rare by Design Board Member'.
Meet Sara Tebben, one of our incredible committee members! Chances are you have already met, as Sara is heavily involved in the community, creating connections & spreading joy everywhere she goes! We’re so grateful to have her on our team. ☺️
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background and at the top, there is a laurel with text that says ‘Offical Selection THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025.’ Text under laurel says 'LIFE AFTER DIAGNOSIS DAY I. DISABILITY II YOLK* *CONTAINS MATURE LANGUAGE BETWEEN TWO EARS ANAPHYLAXIS CONNECTIONS AGAINST THE CURRENT: KATE'S FIGHT FOR INCLUSION PRESSING BUTTONS GEMMA Visit EventBrite.com for ticket information.'
Presenting the official selections for 2025!
Congrats, filmmakers! Thanks for sharing your incredible stories & allowing us to showcase them on the big screen.
We’ll see you in September!
Grab tickets: 2025TheFilmFestival.eventbrite.com
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background with 5 white stars. Text says 'I am go grateful that this festival exists and serves such an important topic. It was an honor to have 1 film I directed, 1 film I co-produced and a third film I was an advisor on to be among the films screened in the first year. Although I could not attend, the remote engagement communication and and opportunities (such as sending in a video of the director's statement) were handled superbly." -Daniel DeFabio’ A laurel with text that says ‘Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025.’
Three is the magic number. Thank you so much for letting us screen your work at #TheFilmFestival, Daniel!
We’re excited for you to see what amazing films are in store this year. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today. 🎟️ 2025TheFilmFestival.eventbrite.com
#RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background with white laurel. Text says 'Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Tickets On Sale.’
We’re 2 months out from #TheFilmFestival, but tickets are on sale TODAY! Tap the link to get yours: 2025thefilmfestival.eventbrite.com
Join us on Sept. 18th for a rare opportunity to see even rarer voices on the big screen at the Sioux Falls State Theatre.
#RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Side view of a large group of people watching a film on screen.
Don’t miss your chance to see your film on the big screen at our beautiful downtown Sioux Falls State Theatre. 🎭
Tap the link: filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti...
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn #FilmFestival
Dark teal background and at the top, there is a laurel with text that says ‘Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025.’ There is a white background with text says 'What does the The Film Festival mean to you? "Growing up, I. rarely saw anyone who looked like me-people in wheelchairs, with disabilities, or living with rare diseases. And when those stories were portrayed, they were often told by actors without disabilities, like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. I hope The Film Festival can shine a light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities and serve as a platform for actors and filmmakers to share authentic stories that reflect our experiences.' There is a small circle image of Kendra next to text that says 'KENDRA GOTTSLEBEN Founder & Executive Director'.
Meet @kegottsleben.bsky.social, Founder & Executive Director of #TheFilmFestival! She works hard every day, turning lemons into lemonade and filling the cups of everyone around her. 🍋
Submissions are still open! You can submit them here: filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti...
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #Films
Text says ''12 narratives we need to unlearn about Disability: Disabled By Society. There are 12 different colored squares with different type of figures in the squares. There is text under each square. Square 1 says, 'Disability is a tragedy'. Square 2 says, 'Disability is a tragedy'. Square 3 says, 'Disabled people are a burden'. Square 4 says, 'Inclusion is optional'. Square 5 says, 'Disabled lives need fixing'. Square 6 says, 'Access is a privilege'. Square 7 says, 'All disability is visible'. Square 8 says, 'Disability equals suffering'. Square 9 says, 'We 'overcome' disability'. Square 10 says, 'Independence means success'. 11 says, 'Adjustments are special treatment'. 12 says, 'Disability is not normal'.
Disability is a natural part of the human experience.
This graphic was created by Disabled by Society. Learn more on their website: disabledbysociety.com/about/
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #InclusionMatters
Only 2 weeks left to send us your films!
Committee member Max Hofer is here to answer questions on how to submit.
Still have questions? Comment below & we’ll answer. Follow us for more!
See submission link: filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti...
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background with 5 white stars. Text says 'Having, Rarely Have You Seen A Fox Like This, screen at Rare by Design was such a great opportunity. They made me feel so connected even though I wasn't able to attend in person. They communicated with me through every turn and made a concerted effort to make me feel special. I would highly recommend this festival." -Claudia Parker, Filmmaker.’ A laurel with text that says ‘Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025.’
Thanks for the kind words, Claudia! 😊
Remember that submissions are OPEN! Tap the link to submit. filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti...
#TheFilmFestival #RBDTheFilmFestival #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Dark teal background with white laurel. Text says 'Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open’
Today’s the day! 🎉
Share this post and let your filmmaker friends know they have until the end of the month to submit. 🎞️
It’s easy. Click the link and share your film with us on FilmFreeway. Submit here: filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti... We can’t wait to view your film!
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Female sitting in the car with a dog on her lap. She has sun glasses on and a black shirt with gray and white text that says 'Inclusion Is Always In.'
#TrendyTuesday
Our friend Erin is wearing her #InclusionIsAlwaysIn shirt & living the dream in NYC. We're extremely passionate about Inclusion & especially the Inclusion of all. Fun seeing people rockin our favorite phrase across the US. Do you have a shirt? Snag one www.bonfire.com/store/rare-b...
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[Video Description] Several people with disabilities with different disabilities saying lines on camera.
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #TVCommercial
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Join Dr. Mo & all our models for an evening of inclusion & empowerment for all! This night will be something you won’t want to miss.
Snag your early bird ticket(s) and other fun add-on items at thestyleshow.org.
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #FashionForAll
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Grab your early bird pricing ticket(s) and other fun add-on items at thestyleshow.org.
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #FashionForAll
Today we shot video footage for our Tradition of Caring commercial with KELOLAND! We had a wonderful time with the #Keloland crew as we filmed. Our team is incredibly excited to see the final product.
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters
www.instagram.com/reel/DF886D4...
Image of Derek with a white backdrop behind him. He has short black hair, a blue long-sleeved button-down shirt with black pants and sneakers. Text to the left of his image that says 'Derek Smith' in hot pink font. 'MODEL FEATURE' in teal font with a black strip of color behind it. The bottom left is the 'THE Style SHOW A RUNWAY TO EMPOWER logo'.
#ModelMonday
Let's meet our next model who will join us on our #TheStyleShow runway this May 3!
Derek Smith lives in Sioux Falls, SD, and has a dog, Jaxon. He works at GreatLIFE Fitness and Performance Center and loves to work out at the... www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=... #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
Background is a light tan with a black decorative design. Text at the top in blue font and black says 'Hors d'Oeuvres'. Under that on the left side is a logo that says 'ultragenxy' in purple and green color font. Under that is a photo in the center of 5 women holding drinks and looking at photos. The bottom right is a logo that says 'The Style Show A Runway to Empower'. Both logos within a pink outline square.
Who is ready to see the amazing sponsors that are joining this year's #TheStyleShow?
To start off our #SponsorSpotlights, we want to thank #Ultragenyx for being this year’s hors d'oeuvres sponsor! What's an event w/o tasty food? Thank you Ultragenyx for making this possible! #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
The text says 'Swag Sale. 'In honor of Rare Disease Day, we are having a sale in our Bonfire Store. At check out, use code RDD15 for a discount. '15% off Shop Now'. Right of the text is a shirt image, and the text on the shirt says 'Inclusion Is Always In'.
Don't forget to order before Feb. 4!
In honor of #RareDiseaseDay, which is Feb. 28, we're having a sale in our Bonfire Store! Choose from all designs until Feb. 4 for your 15% discount. Use code RRD15 at check out. Shop here: www.bonfire.com/store/rare-b...
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #CareAboutRare
The background color is burgundy with a small line of 21 pink dots. Text that says 'Disability is articulated as a struggle, an unnecessary burden that one must overcome to the soundtrack of a string crescendo. But disabled lives are multi-faceted – brimming with personality, pride, ambition, love, empathy, and wit. ~Sinead Burke' Under text is 3 square and 3 stars.
#MotivationalMonday
#RareByDesign #RareDisease #InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #Disability #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #RareBeauty #Rare #DisabilityPride #Quotes
3 people on a television set. 1 female is sitting in a wheelchair, 1 female is sitting in a chair next to 1 male sitting in a chair. There is a table with candles in front of them. And a table between the 2 females with a plant on it. There is a rug on the floor under them, Behind them all is a screen that says 'KELOland Living'.
We are starting 2025 off with some amazing news! Our founder and executive director joined #KelolandLiving Ashley Thompson and Mitchell Olson to discuss some really exciting news! View here: www.keloland.com/keloland-liv...
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #Disability #RareDisease
The background color is burgundy with a small line of 21 pink dots. Text that says 'No disability or dictionary out there is capable of clearly defining who we are as a person. ~Robert M. Hensel' Under text is a dictionary book.
#MotivationalMonday
#RareByDesign #RareDisease #InclusionIsAlwaysIn #RepresentationMatters #Disability #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #RareBeauty #Rare #DisabilityPride #Quotes
Mark your calendars for the 4th annual #TheStyleShow at Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown. We can’t wait for this special evening where we celebrate all-inclusive fashion & diversity! Looking forward to seeing you May 3! More info soon. #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
www.instagram.com/reel/DEfJdqn...
What a busy year! 2024 brought some fantastic trips, thrilling panel discussions and amazing opportunities. I continued pushing the needle forward with reframing perceptions and celebrating true inclusion for people...
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #Disability #RareDisease
www.instagram.com/p/DEP6BRtsHqn/
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to all of our incredible sponsors, partners, donors, models and volunteers who have taken part in our work...
#RareDisease #Disability #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
www.instagram.com/reel/DEP0jlh...
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team at Rare by Design! We hope you enjoy it with those most important to you making beautiful memories!
#InclusionIsAlwaysIn #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays
7 women inside a Scheels store. 2 women are kneeing holding a huge check made out to Rare by Design. Behind them are 3 women sitting in wheelchairs. Behind them are 2 women standing.
As the #HolidaySeason approaches we want to thank Sioux Falls #Scheels for their annual #GivingCampaign for nonprofits. As a small nonprofit, we appreciate when businesses give such opportunities. We also want to thank those who nominated us. We couldn't have won without YOU! #InclusionIsAlwaysIn
