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

[Sheri Koch]

If you are an actor or performer this will be of interest to you.  It’s long past time where blind people play blind rules. See below. 

Sheri Koch, President
National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia
304-993-5103



Begin forwarded message:

> From: "McGinnity, Julie via NFBNet-Members-List" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
> Date: March 15, 2019 at 11:35:07 PM EDT
> To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind Performers Call to Action
> Reply-To: "McGinnity, Julie" <JMcGinnity at nfb.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
> 
> 
> <https://nfb.org/>
> National Federation of the Blind
> 
> 
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> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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