Tell Hollywood Blind and Low Vision actors and actresses have not lost their ability to act

We call for studios to promote greater inclusivity by casting disabled or unsighted people. They are also capable of playing parts, of being contributing members of society, especially because they have had to perform a role that they have lived for years.

I am optimistic that studios are attempting to address stereotypes. I would like to bring an influential and inspirational voice to the awareness of the casting inclusivity gaps: disabled and low vision/blind people bring great value in the business world. I’ve had the fortune of building a successful business in the Los Angeles area, while also calling it my home, for my entire adult life. I was “sighted,” as we call it, until the age of 45. I consider myself lucky because I can continue professionally as a consultant in my industry while giving generously of my time to bring a voice to the low vision /blind community. I feel truly blessed and honored that I can help others.



Unfortunately, I am concerned that the voices of our blind,low vision, disabled community – and of those with physical limitations in general (a whopping 20% of our population) – are not only getting full access to the Hollywood casting process; they are still being stifled and ultimately stigmatized. One could say the industry make more of an effort to avoid “turning a blind eye” to the huge societal impact it can deliver when casting individuals with physical limitations. Currently, in 95% of the roles that reflect those physical limitations, mainstream actors are cast in these roles. In many cases, the disabled communities are not consulted, and the resulting characters are not only inauthentic, but they can also border on offensive, and in nearly all cases, the casting perpetuates the “handicap” mentality that we already face in our every life.