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rarebydesign.bsky.social
Rare by Design
@rarebydesign.bsky.social
90 followers 15 following 88 posts
Grassroots nonprofit creating awareness of inclusion, representation and living life positively for #PWD and #RareDiseases along with their families. Founded by @Kegottsleben.bsky.social.
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rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
Text says ‘Visibility Creates Belonging!’ 3 females sitting in wheelchairs in the lobby of an event.
October 11, 2025 at 5:33 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Did you know our Founder and Executive Director walked in a New York Fashion Show back in 2016 with Runway of Dreams? That experience inspired her to bring a similar event to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

She had never seen anyone with her rare disease walk a runway…
So she became the first.
September 15, 2025 at 6:44 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
⭐ Meet your emcee: Elizabeth Overmoe! ⭐

We’re delighted to welcome her back as this year’s host. Elizabeth has dedicated much of her life to advocating for individuals with disabilities, even garnering local and national recognition for her efforts. Plus, she’s great on the mic. 🎤 😉
Background is a gray film strip design. A female is wearing a green jacket with a blue poka dot blouse. She has blond hair and is smiling.
September 1, 2025 at 1:50 AM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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 ‘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'.
August 14, 2025 at 2:23 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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 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.'
August 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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 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.’
July 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
Dark teal background with white laurel. Text says 'Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Tickets On Sale.’
July 18, 2025 at 3:18 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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For the past 2 yrs, we’ve celebrated Disability Empowerment Month with impactful outdoor billboard campaigns across Sioux Falls, SD, highlighting the power of disability visibility. This year, we’re proud to continue the tradition—with a fresh addition. Alongside our outdoor billboards, we’ve
July 14, 2025 at 9:17 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
Side view of a large group of people watching a film on screen.
June 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
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'.
June 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
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'.
June 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
June 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
One way we’re honoring the #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct, which was signed into law in July of 1990, is by having a sale in our Bonfire Store! Shop until July 2 for your 15% discount. At checkout, use code ADA15.

The mug in the photo is from our store! Shop here: www.bonfire.com/store/rare-b...
A hand holding a mug with text that says 'Inclusion Is Always In.' The person holding a mug is sitting in a lounger, and there is a dog in between the person's legs. Patio railing is in front of them with a swing set on the other side of patio railing.
June 14, 2025 at 1:31 AM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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 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.’
June 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
In honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990, we're having a sale in our Bonfire Store! Choose from all the different designs & swag until July 2 for your 15% discount. At checkout, use code ADA15 to apply your discount. Shop here: www.bonfire.com/store/rare-b...
The text says 'Swag Sale. 'In honor of the Americans with Disabilitiies Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990, we are having a sale in our Bonfire Store. At checkout, use code ADA15 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'.
June 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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
Dark teal background with white laurel. Text says 'Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open’
June 1, 2025 at 2:21 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Submissions for #TheFilmFestival open on June 1! We accept films of all kinds, as long as someone in the production has a rare disease or disability.

Tell your friends, filmmakers & those who want a chance to show their film. Learn about submission criteria: filmfreeway.com/TheFilmFesti...
Dark teal background with white laurel. Text says 'Rare by Design presents THE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Open June 1st’.
May 25, 2025 at 1:47 AM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Treat your tresses to the ultimate collection of salon-quality haircare & styling must-haves! Whether you're creating sleek styles or reviving 2nd-day hair, this bundle has everything you need for effortlessly locks.

See thestyleshow.org & then in the left-hand corner, click items to view them all.
Background is a light tan with a black decorative design. Text at the top in blue font says 'Silent Auction Feature'. Under that on the left side is a logo that says 'Good Hair Day’ in black color font. Under that is a photo of a basket of hair products. The bottom right is a logo that says 'The Style Show A Runway to Empower'. Both logos within a pink outline square.
May 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
#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...
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.'
April 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Are you ready?!

Our team has been working hard on planning for our 2025 #TheStyleShow! And we seriously can’t wait to have all our models work the runway. If you haven’t gotten your ticket(s)…get them soon. You don’t want to miss out.

Ticket(s) can be found by heading to thestyleshow.org.
March 23, 2025 at 3:58 AM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Did you see our founder & Alyssa Mendel of #SanfordCoRDS this morning on @dakotanewsnow.com?
In case you missed it, they discussed tomorrow's #RareDiseaseDay event. So grateful to share about the event & spread awareness about rare diseases. See full interview: www.dakotanewsnow.com/video/2025/0...
3 women sitting on a TV studio set. 2 females are in swivel chairs and 1 is in a wheelchair. There is a TV screen hanging from the ceiling which is showing the women on set. There are video cameras on each side of the photo pointed at the women.
February 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
Are you traveling in for #TheStyleShow? Planning a #staycation that weekend of the event?

We have a block of hotel rooms at the Catlin (formerly Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown) at a special price. Deadline to book is April 3.

Reserve your room here: www.hilton.com/en/book/rese...
Image of hotel in the background faded with text over the whole image that says 'RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM' in pink font. Text in the upper top left says Saturday, May 3, 2025 The Catin formerly Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Sioux Falls' in black font. Text that say 'THE Style SHOW A RUNWAY TO EMPOWER' logo at the bottom right corner.
February 22, 2025 at 5:19 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
We’re thrilled to welcome Pasque Boutique to #TheStyleShow lineup! This is their first time joining us on the runway. Our models are excited to be wearing their clothing!

Head to thestyleshow.org to grab your early bird ticket!

We’ve already sold a bunch of tickets. So don't wait to long.
Background is a light tan with a black and pink border on top and bottom. Text at the top in black font and pink outline rectangle boarder around it says 'Feature Fashion'. Under that is a logo of text that says ‘Pasque Boutique' in black font. Purple flowers are next to it. The bottom right is a logo that says 'The Style Show A Runway to Empower'. The logo has a pink outline rectangle boarder around it
February 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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Meet Levi Baartman! You will see him rock our #TheStyleShow: A Runway to Empower runway on May 3!

He is 5 years old and has #DownSyndrome. Levi and his family are from Tea, SD. What makes him rare is a metabolic disorder known as Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase or MCADD for short.
Image of Levi with short light brown hair, glasses and a green shirt with a dark blue pocket and sleeves. Behind him is a blue backdrop. Text to the left of his image that says 'Levi Baartman’ 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'.
February 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM
rarebydesign.bsky.social
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Let’s meet our next model Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT! See her on #TheStyleShow runway May 3.

Dr. Mo is an award-winning faculty at the University of SD. She’s a Remarkable woman & Entrepreneurial Excellence winner, TEDx speaker, prevention specialist & peer specialist.
Image of Dr. Mo with past the shoulder length light brown hair and a black top on with polka dots on it. A white backdrop behind her. Text to the left of her image that says 'Melissa Dittberner' 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'.
February 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM