In an industry where representation of disabled individuals is distressingly rare, there are rock stars out there who are amplifying their voices in order to change that. Award-winning professional voice-over actor Maria Pendolino is one of them. At 22, she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, a painful chronic condition that can affect mobility. But that didn't stop her from moving mountains for others just like her. As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, Maria shares more about what's being done to create more authentic representation in film, television, and the voice-over industry. Including what you can do to be part of the change for yourself and those you love. Being the daughter of a disabled father, this is a subject close to my heart that you've heard me talk about on the HIListically Speaking Podcast. But this time, we're taking a bolder step forward in what Maria calls, " a world that isn't made for us." You can connect with Maria on her website at voicebymaria.com. Check out the Disabled Voice Actors Directory: https://www.disabledvoiceactors.com/ Be sure you're subscribed to HIListically Speaking, wherever you're tuning in, and consider leaving a rating and/or review to us know how we're doing. And if this episode touched, moved or inspired you, please pay it forward. HIListically Speaking is looking to collaborate. If you're a business interested in sponsoring the show, let's have a conversation. Email hilisticallyspeaking@gmail.com Connect with Hilary @hilaryrusso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking Twitter: https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking Website: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/