Jay Ruderman

Jay Ruderman is a social activist, entrepreneur, lawyer and writer in the areas of social justice, disability inclusion and U.S.-Israel relations. In his various international leadership capacities, Jay has ignited new ideas and seen through the creation of bold projects, policies and organizations, bringing to the forefront of public consciousness - and ultimately change - the issues of inclusion, disability rights and strategic philanthropy. Primarily, as President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, he has impacted the lives of millions of people with disabilities. In recent years, the Foundation has identified Hollywood as an opportunity for catalytic social change. Last December, the Foundation circulated an open letter to the entertainment industry calling on studio, production, and network executives to pledge to create more opportunities for people with disabilities, and to make more inclusive casting decisions. Acclaimed actors who signed the pledge included George Clooney, Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Norton, Bryan Cranston, Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, and Eva Longoria. A separate pledge initiated by the Foundation aimed to secure commitments to auditioning more actors with disabilities. It was first signed by CBS and more recently, the BBC pledged a more authentic and distinctive representation of people with disabilities on screen. The Foundation promotes the same message through positive reinforcement of inclusive casting practices. It has recognized the likes of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and "General Hospital," Netflix's "Atypical," NBC's "This Is Us" and feature film "The Peanut Butter Falcon," as part of a growing group of films and television series acknowledged with the Ruderman Seal of Authentic Representation, which is awarded 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.