[NFB_of_Georgia] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind Performers Call to Action

[Dorothy Griffin]

Please read information below.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: McGinnity, Julie via NFBNet-Members-List <
nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Sat, Mar 16, 2019 at 12:03 AM
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind Performers Call to Action
To: <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>



Dear fellow federationists,

On April 4th, the CW plans to launch a television
series called “In the Dark,” which features a
blind character as the lead.  This series is just
the latest in a long line of shows and movies
about the blind without the blind. The National
Federation of the Blind was not consulted at all
by the CW during the writing or casting process,
and the producers claim they could not find a
blind actress to play the leading role.  For this
reason, and in light of resolutions passed by our
conventions on this topic, we issued a
<
https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/blind-americans-protest-refusal-entertainment-industry-cast-them>strong

statement urging the cancellation of the series.
We now need to follow up that statement with
action. We cannot allow Hollywood to define us
any longer.  The blind belong at the center of
our own stories, playing blind characters and
taking our place on screen alongside our sighted colleagues.

It is time for blind performers to speak up and
share our experiences.  We must dispel the myth
that blind talent does not exist and demand to
increase opportunities for blind actors of all
skill levels.  Together we can show Hollywood
that there shall be no excuses for their failure to cast us.

Fellow performers, we would like to hear from you:

·         Connect with us if you have ever been
discouraged from being an actor or performer.
Email your story to <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org.
·         Likewise, if you have a successful
experience acting in a film, tv show, or stage
production, please share your story with us by
emailing <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org
·         If you are a performer and would be
available to help us with an event in New York
City the first week of April, please call me at (410)659-9314 (Ex. 2509).

·         Show your support on social media.  Use #LetUsPlayUs.

I look forward to hearing your stories and
working with you to raise expectations in Hollywood.
Sincerely,

Julie Mcginnity
President, national Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division




Julie McGinnity
Program Specialist
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, extension 2509  | JMcGinnity


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The National Federation of the Blind is a
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-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.