There are so many people, deaf or otherwise abled, who are so talented but overlooked or not given a chance to even get their foot in the door.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Often in the past, when we have had a deaf person in the spotlight, we have been portrayed badly. It was up to me to change that.
I think some people just have an innate musical ability, and I'm lucky enough to be one of those people.
I think we really do need deaf people out there writing their own shows.
The deaf community and the hearing community, there's not always a ton of interaction.
I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.
Music is universal too. Even deaf people like to dance, love rhythm, and can kind of pick it up.
Most of the time, I get auditions for deaf characters where the scene has them communicating in really convoluted ways, like reading lips from across the room when the other person's back is turned or having other people parrot what they say.
I placed over a thousand deaf people in jobs throughout my career working for the deaf.
Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.
The deaf community is in a favorable position because they have a national theatre and training groups of their own to get them started. Deaf actors have often acquired very valuable skills and experience before they get their break.