For Immediate Release November 18, 2013 Contact: Michael Steiner, President Diverse City Entertainment (562) 833-9858 STEVEN JAMES TINGUS, FORMER WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL FOR DISABILITY, JOINS DIVERSE CITY ENTERTAINMENT AS PARTNER LOS ANGELES, CA – Steven James Tingus is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts and advocates on disability, aging and health care policy and is a strong voice for the disability community, fighting for equal access to employment, education, health care, and independent living. Tingus joins Michael Steiner, President of Diverse City Entertainment, as Partner focused on developing new storylines for film and television that accurately portray individuals with disabilities and others with health-related challenges, and through the development of strategic business partnerships to increase the employment of talented individuals with disabilities into all facets of the entertainment industry. Tingus brings to Diverse City Entertainment his expertise in disability policy and personal experience to help the entertainment industry develop storylines and create characters that resonate with people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. “The entertainment industry can be an incredible ally in creating social change,” Tingus said. “Less than 1% of characters on television and in film represent people with disabilities, yet there are more than 56 million Americans with a disability. I look forward to working with industry leaders to make the business case for hiring people with disabilities onscreen and behind the camera.” On February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush invited Tingus to The White House to deliver a speech for the unveiling of the New Freedom Initiative (NFI) before members of Congress, the press, and leaders from the disability community. Tingus helped craft the NFI which served as the blueprint for the Bush administration’s policy supporting people with disabilities. In addition, during his term in office, President Bush first appointed Tingus to serve as Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the U.S. Department of Education followed by a promotion to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as chairing White House task forces focused on disability policy and research. Tingus was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age of three. With the use of his power wheelchair and the support from his family and community, Tingus was one of the first students with disabilities mainstreamed into the California public school system. Tingus went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Davis. He has received numerous awards at the federal, state and non-profit foundation level for his leadership in the establishment and implementation of public policies and research programs that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. Diverse City Entertainment (DCE) manages and promotes talent, while also developing projects and events for those who can provide the highest level of entertainment and are worthy of the opportunity. DCE’s talents include actors, comedians, singers, musicians, inspirational speakers, and advocates. They have entertained, educated, and trained people on diversity and overcoming life’s challenges. DCE currently produces Perfectly Imperfect Radio on Monday nights at 7:00PM (Pacific Time) on LATalkRadio. Perfectly Imperfect Radio explores the journey of discovery and diversity through the humor of entertainers Kathy Buckley, Tobias Forrest, Geri Jewell, and Mark Povinelli. The hosts and special guests enlighten listeners on acceptance, personal challenges, and society’s challenges that affect all of us. diversecityentertainment.net/
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:37:05 +0000
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