Deafness and sign language are extremely close to my heart.
Growing up, I was always involved in the deaf community.
I placed over a thousand deaf people in jobs throughout my career working for the deaf.
One of the things I did when I was in New York, which has a wonderful deaf community, is I have worked on making Broadway more accessible to deaf people.
The deaf community is hungry to see itself in the most positive way.
I know a little bit about deaf culture because a friend of mine has been in the deaf culture for awhile. Over the course of 25 years, she and I have talked about many of the issues and concerns for deaf people and deaf culture.
Say what you want about the deaf.
Before working with Deaf West, I had never met a deaf person, and now I can't imagine life without ASL.
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.
I feel the need to reframe our community positively and better deaf youth's lives, and with the 'DWTS' platform, I can - but it's not enough until I win.
