Stage and Screen Actor, Little Person
Alexia was the first little person to graduate from her university’s theatre and drama program. After leaving the safe haven of academia, she’s embarking on a journey to find her place in the industry—whether on stage, screen or in an audio booth. She’s open to many avenues, but one thing’s for certain: she will not be tokenized.
TV/Film Actor, Hard of Hearing
A bartender by day, Caeden has scored multiple bit parts in both film and TV. But after being diagnosed with genetic progressive hearing loss, he’s navigating new barriers in the industry. He worries that the powers-that-be see him as a “liability” on set, and wonders if he would he be better off finding security in the restaurant industry.
Actor/Filmmaker/ASL Coach, Deaf
An established Deaf actress, Catherine was raised on the east coast and has lived in Toronto since the 90s. One of the highlights of her career was playing—in the same year—Alexander Graham Bell’s wife on screen in Murdoch Mysteries and his mother on stage in Silence. Besides acting, Catherine has made a name for herself as a Master Dialect Coach and Deaf consultant for major productions. Though juggling being in front and behind the camera has its challenges, Catherine is determined to make it work.
Comedian, Legally Blind
Dan, a stand-up comic with low vision, made the long list of CBC’s Next Up competition series. Now he just needs to become a regular on the comedy club circuit. Though humour is at the core of everything he does, so is storytelling. With the support of his partner, Michelle, he’s on a path to combining those talents to make people laugh, subvert their expectations and advocate for a more accessible world.
Model/Musician/Activist, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A Thunder Bay native, Rachel is a model, musician and activist with a connective tissue disorder and a history of multiple surgeries for spinal tumors. After having to re-invent themselves post- surgery and diagnosis, they are hellbent on becoming a disability mogul one record and runway at a time.
Performer/Personality, Wheelchair User
At 17, Tai is already a seasoned performer having appeared in numerous musical theatre productions, commercials and TV shows. As a wheelchair user, he’s passionate about disability representation in the media and has been part of national advocacy campaigns. He counts photography, makeup, fashion, tennis and skiing among his many interests. As for what happens after he graduates, Tai refuses to be pinned down.
