"Glee” Star on Committee

President Barack Obama has selected actress Lauren Potter to serve on the President’s Committee for Intellectual Disabilities.  Potter has Down’s syndrome.  She has received fame recently for her portrayal of Becky Johnson on the TV program “Glee.”

The committee is compromised of 21 federal members and 13 citizens.  The members counsel the President on topics related to Americans with mental challenges.  The secretary of Health and Human Services is also involved.

Potter began appearing on “Glee” in 2009.  She used her fame to begin advocating against the use of the word “retard” and bullying.  This type of attention made her an activist in the national spotlight in the physically/mentally challenged field.

President Obama also selected Julie Petty to this same committee.  Petty was a former president of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered.  She spoke before Congress on topics affecting employment in the physically/mentally challenged community.

Committee members:  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/11/07/glee-star-president/14388/