Since my injury 37 years ago, I’ve never really considered myself disabled. I’ve always wanted to be like everyone else and have lived my life that way. As a result, I have learned how important advocacy is and how difficult it can be to make sure people with disabilities are included. We’re like all minority groups…we just want equal opportunities. 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has some type of disability, that’s 20% which makes us the largest minority in the country. And we're only going to get bigger with today’s medical advances.

Falling in love with acting has been a gift. But it has also taught me how challenging it is to change an industry that virtually excludes performers with disabilities. As National Vice Chair of the SAG/AFTRA/Equity Performers with Disabilities Committee, I’ll continue to work with producers to change that. The world is missing out on extraordinary talents.