News Releases

Actress, Comedienne Appears At USM To Celebrate National Disability Employment Month

October 9, 2007

Portland, ME—Geri Jewell, noted actress, comedienne, and powerful motivational speaker and trainer, will appear at USM’s Abromson Center at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 19 in recognition of National Disability Employment Month. Jewell is the first person with a visible disability to have a regular role on a national prime time television series, NBC’s “Facts of Life,” and currently stars on HBO’s “Deadwood.” The event is free and open to the public.

Jewell will perform a stand-up comedy routine, emphasizing her personal experiences related to disability and employment. At a reception following the performance, attendees will have an opportunity to meet Ms. Jewell in person. Information will also be available from several disability service and advocacy organizations.

In addition to her early sitcom credits and the current HBO appearance, Jewell is also a re-occurring character on “The Young and the Restless” and was recently featured on “Strong Medicine.” Jewell also made her film debut in an independent feature recently shown at the Tribecca and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.

Jewell has been invited to Maine by Working Together, a recently formed coalition of Maine businesses that hopes to increase employment of people with disabilities. The coalition currently includes L.L. Bean, MEMIC, Stonewall Kitchens, University of Southern Maine, and Coffee by Design and welcomes new members. For more information, contact Larry Glantz at USM’s Muskie School, 207-228-8345 or glantz @usm.maine.edu. The coalition web site is www.expandingmainesworkforce.com.

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