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Comedian
Chris Fonseca Jokes about Being Latino and Disabled
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Last November Chris Fonseca took his comedy act to the Ever Widening Circle: An Evening of Entertainment Celebrating Art and Disability to tell jokes that challenge outdated stereotypes about disability. The famed comic was one of a stellar line up of entertainers who joined forces with the World Institute on Disability (WID) to support its annual fundraising event. The event - a result of the collaboration between WID and the Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunications (CDT) - is one that should be experienced by all, especially Latino community leaders. Attendees are treated to an exceptional evening of entertainment, and are reminded of the wealth of ability and talent that individuals with disabilities bring to our culture and society. The performers exemplify the kind of people Latino organizations would benefit tremendously from working in their businesses and communities. Chris Fonseca, for example, did his first show on a dare. Today as a comedian who "also happens to have cerebral palsy," Chris continues to make extraordinary contributions to the art of comedy and in his community. Two years ago Chris established the Chris Fund that grants scholarships in his hometown of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Chris is the kind of enterprising person any community leader would like to have on their team. Chris is one of a growing number of individuals with disabilities who are finding employment as performers and artists. WID's Ever Widening Circle helps promote the understanding of disability as a cultural phenomenon and reminds community leaders to tap into this valuable resource. This year's event is scheduled to take place September 25 in San Francisco, so be sure not to miss it. In the mean time Latino community leaders can review WID's Web site for ways to attract individuals with disabilities to help make their organizations an ever widening success. Information about this year's event - featuring the Grammy-Award-winning Soul/Gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama - please call the event hotline (510) 251-4370, or Naomi Griffin (510) 251-4361, or visit our Web site at www.wid.org. |
