Actor RJ Mitte Is Speaker for “Breaking Boundaries”

‘Overcoming Adversity: Turning a Disadvantage into an Advantage’

Actor, producer and equality and diversity activist RJ Mitte will be the keynote speaker at “Breaking Boundaries,” an event at the University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Breaking Boundaries” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Pierson Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the UMKC Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement Leadership Education and Development Series.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the key civil rights law for Americans with disabilities, and we are honored to bring RJ Mitte, who will speak about how he has taken a disadvantage and turned it to his advantage,” said Richard Monroe, coordinator of student organizations, Office of Student Involvement.

According to Scott Laurent, the Americans with Disabilities Act brought about much of what we take for granted today – “giving people with disabilities the opportunity for fuller participation in our society.” Laurent is program manager in the UMKC Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Mitte, best known for his role on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” has mild cerebral palsy and his topic is “Overcoming Adversity: Turning a Disadvantage to an Advantage.” He will share his challenges and how he manages his cerebral palsy.

After a few background roles, Mitte’s big break came in 2008 with “Breaking Bad,” which he viewed as the “perfect role” to enlighten a broader audience about people with disabilities.

He is the youth spokesperson for the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour, which works to improve the financial situation of low-income persons with disabilities. He also is a spokesperson for “I AM PWD,” the Tri-Union Performers with Disabilities Committee campaign that advocates for actors with disabilities. In 2011, Mitte became a celebrity youth ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy.

This event is free, open to the public and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. RSVPs are not required, but are highly recommended for this event, as those individuals who submit a RSVP will receive priority seating. By “purchasing” a free ticket for this event, you are placing a RSVP for the event.

Visit Breaking Boundaries to register for the event.

 


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