Loreen Arbus Spotlights Disability with New $40K CTA Scholarship

North Hollywood, CA and McLean, VA - The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation and the Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television proudly announce a partnership with the Loreen Arbus Foundation that will focus on the needs, achievements, contributions and stories of citizens with disabilities to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2010.

The partnership creates The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship to be given to aspiring student television and filmmakers. The announcement was jointly issued by Terri Clark, Executive Director of the Television Academy Foundation, American Women in Radio & Television Interim President, Sylvia Strobel, and Loreen Arbus.

Both scholarships will be presented at the April 10, 2010, College Television Awards, the Television Academy Foundation’s annual celebration of the best in student television, digital and film work in the U.S.

On behalf of the Television Academy Foundation, one of the scholarships will recognize a young talent whose work sheds light on people with disabilities, helps emerging artists gain recognition and increases visibility for artists with disabilities. The scholarship will be presented to student writers, producers or directors with disabilities, producers of content focused on people with disabilities, or to a piece that features one or more actors with disabilities.

AWRT’s competition will challenge students to create a 60 second public service announcement (PSA) that tells the compelling story of disability in America, the societal changes effected by the Americans with Disabilities Act that have enabled them to become more independent and self-sufficient, and the remarkable contributions Americans with disabilities have made. The PSA will be prominently displayed on AWRT’s web site and social media outlets and will be showcased during the Television Academy Foundation’s College Television Awards this coming April, and at the July 2010 National Summit on Disability Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

Holding the distinction of serving as the first woman in the U.S. to head programming for two cable networks, Showtime and Cable Health Network/Lifetime, Loreen Arbus is a disability rights activist committed to her work with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), the organization founded by her parents, Isabelle and Leonard H. Goldenson, Founder/Chairman, ABC. The fifth-largest U.S. health agency, UCP serves and advocates on behalf of more than 54 million Americans with disabilities.

In 1973 -- almost 20 years prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) -- the Goldensons successfully lobbied to amend the Rehabilitation Act by adding many elements to Section 504 which for the first time prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability. Mrs. Goldenson’s unique ideas resulted in federal laws mandating shaved corners of street curbs, lowered public telephones, enlarged restroom cubicles, ramps in public buildings, and designated “handicapped” parking in every city in the United States. Recognized as the predecessor to the ADA, Section 504 directed communities around the country to take steps towards greater accessibility for people with disabilities.

“I am thrilled that the idea I had to create this scholarship is being brought to light by these two wonderful organizations," said Loreen Arbus.

“This scholarship adds a significant new component to our College Television Awards competition while building awareness of disability as an important issue. We are grateful to Loreen for her support," said Terri Clark. “This is a meaningful way to salute and perpetuate the legacy of her parents and her own good work on behalf of Americans with disabilities.”

“American Women in Radio and Television supports all forms of diversity. We are honored to be a part of the Loreen Arbus Scholarship by challenging students to use their creativity and skill sets to develop compelling PSAs around the subject of disability,” said AWRT Interim President Sylvia Strobel.

About The Loreen Arbus Foundation
The Loreen Arbus Foundation supports a broad scope of charitable interests, including scientific and medical research; women and girls; people with disabilities and other minorities; gender and racial equity in media; the arts; the environment and world peace.

About The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ College Television Awards
The College Television Awards recognize excellence in undergraduate and graduate student video, digital and film production in 12 categories: Animation, Children, Comedy, Commercial, Documentary, Drama, Interactive Media, Magazine, Music Composition and Music Best Use, Newscasts and Series.

About the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation preserves and celebrates the history of the medium while educating and guiding those who will shape its future. Prominent among its many initiatives are the Archive of American Television, education programs such as the College Television Awards and its renowned student internship program, all of which utilize the resources of the Television Academy. For more information about the Foundation, its many programs and services, please visit emmysfoundation.org.

About AWRT
The year 2009 marks the 58th Anniversary of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve.

About The Foundation of AWRT
The Foundation of AWRT is the philanthropic arm of American Women in Radio & Television, supporting educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation of AWRT has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation of AWRT. The Foundation supports several public service campaigns, including most recently AWRT Empowering America, which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this initiative, the Foundation of AWRT has adopted needy urban middle schools around the country and provided educational donations derived from collateral based on the Empowering America program. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a live gala that honors exemplary programming created for, by and about women. For more information, please visit awrt.org.

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Contacts:
Television Academy Foundation: American Women in Radio & Television:
Pam Golum/Michael Samonte Amy Lotz
The Lippin Group/LA alotz@awrt.org
msamonte@lippingroup.com (703) 506-3290
(323) 965-1990