American Association of People with Disabilities,New PSA Challenges Traditional Views of Disability

NEW PSA FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CHALLENGES TRADITIONAL VIEWS OF DISABILITY WITH HELP FROM COMCAST AND NBCUNIVERSAL, AAPD CALLS ON AMERICANS TO REDEFINE THEIR IDEAS ABOUT DISABILITY  http://www.aapd.com/resources/press-room/press-releases/redefine-disability.html For Immediate Release October 3, 2013 Contact: Colin Schwartz Phone: 202-521-4309 cschwartz@aapd.com Washington, D.C. (October 3, 2013) – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has issued a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) entitled Redefine Disability, airing now on cable networks carried by Comcast’s Xfinity TV service nationwide. Featuring four young adults with various disabilities, the PSA challenges Americans to appreciate the positive aspects of disability. In addition, the PSA encourages viewers to join with AAPD in breaking down the outdated stereotypes confronting many people with disabilities. Through the personal testimony of these four young adults, the PSA offers insight into the reality that most people with disabilities embrace disability as a positive part of their identity, rather than something that needs to be overcome, cured, or fixed. “Most television does not include or accurately reflect people with disabilities,” said Mark Perriello, the President and CEO of AAPD. “The PSA Redefine Disability is one way that AAPD, with support from Comcast and NBCUniversal, are raising awareness and challenging societal assumptions on disability.” In addition, the NBC fall line-up includes several storylines featuring prominent characters with disabilities; most notably the “Michael J. Fox Show,” starring Michael J. Fox who has Parkinson’s Disease. Other NBC shows include “Ironside,” about a police detective who uses a wheelchair and “Growing Up Fisher,” a comedy featuring a visually impaired patriarch. According to research conducted by AAPD, the current generation of young adults with disabilities is better educated, more experienced, and ready to contribute to society in ways that were unavailable to previous generations. Yet, the common experience of these young people is that they are less likely to find work for which they are qualified, less likely to get a promotion, and less likely to be considered for senior positions. Through partnerships like the one between AAPD and Comcast and NBCUniversal, more Americans will understand the realities of life with a disability, and better appreciate the significant contributions people with disabilities are prepared to make when given a fair chance. To view the PSA Redefine Disability, please go to www.aapd.com/RedefineDisability ### About AAPD The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest disability rights organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.