[Tall-Corn] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind Performers Call to Action

[Scott Van Gorp]

Here's a follow up to the last email I sent out with a little more
information.


Scott Van Gorp, President
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
Phone: 515-720-5282
Email
Website 
Facebook 
Twitter 
Live the life you want.

The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa 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.



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-enterta
inment-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 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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