Yes , Connor is an actor with a disability . He lives with Trisomy 21 , also known as Down syndrome , Celiac disease , and scoliosis . Connor doesn ’ t want to be treated any differently than anyone else – he doesn ’ t want people to feel sorry for him and he certainly doesn ’ t want people to underestimate him . He just wants to have the same opportunities as everyone else . And he pushes himself to always do better and to do more . While he hasn ’ t formally gone to college , he has taken a number of non-degree and online certificate classes . Covid isn ’ t making things easier , but Connor says , “ I am enjoying a number of online classes and events , including several arts and acting classes from NYU ( New York University ).” As if all of this wasn ’ t enough to fill is day , when he is at home Connor likes to cook – mostly pasta dishes , play video games , watch cooking shows , singing , and talent shows , and he likes to watch musical theater and action / adventure movies . I need to hang out with Connor !
I asked Connor when he became an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and what motivated him to do so . Connor replied , “ I think I have always been an advocate because my parents became active in Down syndrome , disability , education and inclusion rights after I was born .
When my family struggled to achieve appropriate access and services for me , we also did it for others who might face similar challenges . I was awarded the
Arc ’ s Catalyst Self-Advocate award in 2016 and I am proud to be one of the people helping to shape the future . I really enjoy being a speaker and love to keynote at conferences .”
As we continued through our conversation , often filled with approving nods from Brian , Connor told me how he became interested in acting and about his roles AND awards ! Connor became interested to be an actor during his youth in Maryland . Participating in church and school plays and then taking some acting classes and going to camp at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in his hometown , Germantown , Maryland . He adds that he “ loves Shakespeare and hopes to act with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival Professional Company one day !” ( We hope so , too !)
Other film projects include the award-winning short film , “
Learning to Drive ,” by Writer / Director Roderick E . Stevens . The film was screened and awarded at several disability-themed festivals around the world , including Cannes and Moscow . “ I was fortunate to be invited to Moscow to speak at the US Embassy for a cultural exchange program and to receive the Breaking Down Barriers international film-festival ’ s Best Actor Award .”