Lauren Potter of Glee and her mother Robin Sinkhorn will join The Arc on June 14 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. as we reveal key findings from our FINDS study to the media. This landmark study surveyed the true circumstances and needs of more than 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers and the findings will point us in the right direction to make substantial improvements in the lives of people with I/DD through advocacy for changes in public policy and direct supports and services.

Lauren has graciously agreed to be at the press conference on June 14, but will also appear in 60-second PSAs which will be distributed in many television markets in May. Lauren and her Glee co-star, Robin Trocki attended The Arc’s National Convention in Orlando, Florida in November 2010 to receive our inaugural Image and Inclusion Award for positive and accurate portrayals of people with I/DD in the performing arts. We’re thrilled that she wants to continue a relationship with The Arc.

You may have seen or heard of Lauren recently speaking out against the bullying of children with special needs on Capitol Hill last week and appearing with her mother in www.abilitypath.org‘s  public service announcement “Disable Bullying.” Lauren is an incredible self-advocate who embodies the spirit of The Arc’s new tagline “Achieve with us.” Those of us who had the pleasure to meet her at The Arc’s 2010 convention can assure you that she is everything she seems to be – being a glamorous Hollywood actress doesn’t stop her from being a sweet, caring, genuine young lady. She has achieved much in her young life and is an inspiration to others to do the same.