Maine's CHOICES CEO Project

Expanding Opportunities for Workers with Disabilities

Maine's Disability Employment Awareness Event

October 19, 2007
2:30 - 4:30 pm
USM Abromson Center
Portland, Maine

This event was held during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and featured Geri Jewell, gifted actress, comedienne, and powerful motivational speaker and trainer. Jewell was the first person with a visible disability to have a regular role on a national primetime television series, the sitcom “The Facts of Life.” She also recently starred in HBO’s “Deadwood.”

Ms. Jewell spoke about her experience as a person with a disability, both as a young adult finding her path, and later as a professional actress. She spoke of personal experiences with “special education” and teasing from non-disabled classmates. A key turning point came while watching “The Carol Burnett Show.” It was in this moment that Ms. Jewell began to see laughter in a whole new light. “I noticed that the people were laughing with Carol, not at her,” she said.

A reception at the USM Abromson Center followed. Several disability service and advocacy organizations had informational tables and attendees were able to meet Ms. Jewell and get her autograph.

Ms. Jewell’s appearance in Maine was arranged by Working Together, a coalition of Maine businesses seeking to increase the employment of people with disabilities. Her appearance was also part of the annual meeting of the Commission on Disability and Employment, which was held immediately prior to Ms. Jewell’s appearance.