representation that they needed to see . I also absolutely love when I ’ m able to change someone ’ s mind about disability with my educational content . An actual project I ’ m really proud of is my EDS Awareness Month videos , I ’ ve dropped the ball the last couple of years due to my own health , but being able to make videos with people from across the world and share all our different experiences to raise awareness is incredible .
What advice would you give to other aspiring actors and actresses living with disabilities ?
I think just try and be the representation you want to see in the world . But also know your worth and try to avoid being used and tokenised . The disabled community deserves SOO much more representation , and good representation in film and tv especially . I want to see more disabled roles on screen where the story isn ’ t focused solely on the person ’ s disability . So audition for all the roles , not just the roles specifically asking for a disabled character . Why can ’ t there be a disabled James Bond or Doctor Who or Disney Princess ?!
Do you have any advice for others hoping also to become disability activists , whether as a person with a disability or as an ally ?
Disability is SO diverse so it ’ s really important to listen to people with a wide range of disabilities and from a wide range of backgrounds including those with intersectionality . Speak from your experiences , but don ’ t assume the disabled experience is the same for everyone . As a disabled person , finding a positive community of people who understand is so important . So , I highly recommend finding that place online which gives you that . As a disabled person or parent of a disabled person , it ’ s also important to remember that you can still be an amazing activist without sharing every detail of your journey or medical history . You don ’ t even have to share your diagnosis if you don ’ t want to . I overshared a lot when I first started out and now I ’ m a lot more careful about the specifics I choose to share to protect myself
Accessibilty for All 11