Writing the Waves

There are certain programs that begin as the brainchild of a few people. They hit hard and strong the first time — and then they peter out. And then there are others (dare I say CSK is one!) that succeed right from the outset and exceed everyone’s dreams. Not solely because of the usual and necessary ingredients like hard work, perseverance, tenacity, and a few miracles sprinkled in (all certainly essential), but even more so because of what they inspire — a vision of what is possible.

The first ReelAbilities here in Houston was a film festival. Since 2013, the partnership of
Alexander JFS and TIRR Memorial Hermann, along with the Mayor’s Office for People with
Disabilities and countless volunteers, has produced this annual event. It has just begun, and you should make it a point to attend at least one of the upcoming events.

Here’s what’s in store:

ReelPeople
Feb 11, 2026 – 6:30 PM
Various Locations
Live Storytelling ($30)

ReelFilm: Mental Health Night
Feb 17, 2026 – 7:00 PM
The River Oaks Theatre
2009 West Gray St
Film Screening

ReelFilm: Closing Night
Feb 24, 2026 – 7:00 PM
(Check website for location)
Film Screening

ReelMusic
Feb 26, 2026 – 7:30 PM
(Check website for location)
Musical Performance

Natalie and I have been deeply immersed in the world of disability through personal experience, and one might think we’ve seen it all. We most definitely have not. Through music, sports, art, and advocacy, ReelAbilities reminds us that there is no such thing as “normal” and “abnormal.” There is simply different — and often, it is those differences that make the extraordinary possible.

And speaking of extraordinary, I want to give you a glimpse of what you may have missed if you weren’t able to attend the first event of the season, “ReelPeople.” Two remarkable speakers shared their stories — Jim Abbott and Ali Stroker. Jim Abbott is a professional baseball player with a storied career despite (or perhaps because of) having been born without a right hand. Ali Stroker was in a car accident at age two and sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury from the chest down, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a Tony Award Winning actress on Broadway! Both Jim and Ali are remarkable, but Ali’s story resonated with me in more ways than one.

I took some video the other night that I want to share with you (ReelAbilities folks, please
forgive me…). I just know you have to see it to truly be inspired. And what I really want is for you, CSK, to commit to attending at least one of the upcoming events. And now just a little Torah…

In this week’s parsha, Mishpatim, we read:

לֹא־תְקַלֵּ֣ל חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְלִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן מִכְשֹׁ֑ל וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

“You shall not insult the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind. You shall fear your
God: I am the Eternal.” (Leviticus 19:14)

It is inspiring that thousands of years ago, the Torah taught us to take great care in our
interactions with those of differing abilities. But I’m not sure even the Torah could have
envisioned a future in which disability itself becomes the catalyst and progenitor for greatness.

To me, that is what ReelAbilities is all about — curating greatness and making it accessible to the rest of the world.

Here’s the video. Watch it. Be inspired. And then sign up to attend an event in the coming weeks.