From KNBC TV, Los Angeles:

John Paizis, founder of Performing Arts Studio West (PASW) says actors with disabilities are increasingly playing television roles that until recently were played by non-disabled actors.

PASW is an arts program in metropolitan Los Angeles that trains and encourages 50-60 artists with developmental disabilities each day, offering acting workshops, music recording sessions, and career management.

The program prepares actors to audition for available roles. Nick Weiland, an actor with Down Syndrome, appeared in a recent episode of “ER” (above). Nick Daley, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, guest starred on “Saving Grace.”

“ER” casting director John Levey says using actors with disabilities “brings a certain immediacy, electricity and authenticity to the material.” “ER” has employed actors with disabilities for the past 15 years.

See earlier post here.

(Video included)

From the Los Angeles Times:

A growing number of people with developmental disabilities are finding work on television and in the movies.

It’s still a rough road for the 10% of Screen Actors Guild members who have a disability. But for talent agents such as Carmel Wynne, who places actors with developmental disabilities, this client pool is becoming an easier sell.

“Why shouldn’t more people be able to turn on the TV and see people who look like them?” says Media Access Office volunteer Gail Williamson of North Hills, Blair Williamson’s mother.

Gail’s son Blair (above), an actor with Down syndrome, has been in clothing commercials for Macy’s, was once murdered in a “CSI” episode and had a nose job on a “Nip/Tuck” episode.

“I love being an actor,” he says. “It makes me feel good inside me.”

Related stories:

• The Lanterman Act changed life for people with developmental disabilities
• Disabled performers hone their craft at Inglewood studio

From the (Denver) Rocky Mountain News, a feature about a house that was designed to serve a family whose daughter has Prader-Willi Syndrome. The home is part of a tour to benefit the Central City Opera Guild.

Prader-Willi syndrome causes mental retardation, behavioral problems, low muscle-tone and an insatiable appetite so severe that parents must lock away food and strictly limit calories to prevent life-threatening obesity in children who have it.

The dream home of Paul and Amy Wissmann was designed to be safe and comfortable, and to reflect the personalities of all five family members.

In the kitchen, a sleek lock system - consisting of five tiny black buttons and one small knob - blends seamlessly into cream-colored, country French-style cabinetry and matching panels on the appliances (which also remain locked).

The Wissmans are seeking to collaborate with other parents in hopes of creating an adult living situation in which their daughter could live semi-independently with peers. “There are no places for these kids, and we want them to have a safe, long-term living environment where they can be happy,” Amy says.

More information on Prader-Willi Syndrome can be found at www.stillhungryforacure.org.