<p>AlwaysAMom is correct! In fact, the young woman about whom she speaks is one of my daughter’s BEST friends! This young woman has been in a wheelchair since she was a preschooler due to injuries from a car accident. She is paralyzed from the chest down. This is one AMAZING young woman in every respect. For starters, she is SUPER talented in musical theater. Not only is she so talented of an artist, but she is extremely independent and has lived alone many times and gets around NYC (and LA) and throughout her years at NYU/Tisch using a wheelchair that she uses her arms to operate, and not a mechanical one! She is extremely active. She also drives and has driven my D on trips.</p>
<p>I so much admire Tisch for accepting her into the BFA in MT program. She participated in all of the dance classes in her wheelchair (which she moves amazingly well when she performs). She was cast repeatedly, often in lead or significant roles throughout her time at Tisch. She also was in an award winning a capella group. My D was in classes and shows and a capella with her and again, is avery close friend. My daughter has also cast her in her own shows. </p>
<p>In the past year, this young woman had a lead role in a musical in a major regional theater. (by the way, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for a regional theater award for her role) I hope many more theaters will consider casting her. Frankly, on Glee, I wish they had a true disabled student like her in a wheelchair rather than someone acting disabled. This girl would be so perfect. Her talent as a singer/actor and the way she moves on stage with her chair is outstanding. </p>
<p>I can’t tell you how all BFA programs would respond in admitting such a student. But kudos to Tisch who did. Others can chime in if they know of other BFA programs that did. I imagine many BA programs have disabled students since there is usually no audition to be admitted and you don’t apply directly to a program when applying to most BA programs. Anyone can participate in any major pretty much.</p>