New Easterseals PSA Shines a Spotlight on Authentic Casting

While more than 25% of the U.S. population has a disability, fewer than 2% of all characters in film and television represent this demographic. Authentic casting in Hollywood isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about a meaningful shift that makes storytelling stronger, more inclusive and a lot more believable.

When actors bring lived experience to their characters—whether that’s disability, a cultural background or other experience—they bring an added layer of understanding that is reflected on screen. It’s often during subtle moments when authenticity shines through, creating more impactful performances that feel natural rather than forced.

Beyond entertainment, authentic casting has a true cultural impact. Thoughtful representation helps challenge stereotypes, broaden understanding and creates an opportunity for people to see themselves reflected in ways that feel respectful and true. That’s why Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) is passionate about partnering with and supporting projects that include people with disabilities in front of and behind the camera. 

The Every1 With Autism Belongs PSA Campaign

Created collaboratively with people with autism and the parents of children with autism, Easterseals newly released Everyone With Autism Belongs PSA campaign features four SoCal residents with varying levels of autism who portray what belonging should look like at school, in the community, at work and at home.  

“This campaign is by, for and about people with autism,” said Mark Whitley, president & CEO of ESSC. “Real inclusion begins by listening to lived experiences and through this initiative, individuals with autism are leading the conversation—helping to create communities where everyone is valued, respected and belongs.”

“Autism isn’t something that makes people different, it’s what makes people unique,” says 12-year-old Ava Cando, who appears in the PSA. A sixth grader, she hopes to be a working actress one day and the Every1 With Autism Belongs PSA campaign is her first professional acting hire.

“We just do things differently,” adds PSA co-star Eddie Lara, 27, a multi-talented actor and musician who has a degree in Drum Performance from the Los Angeles College of Music and who also plays guitar, with synth keyboards being his newest focus. 

As someone on the spectrum, Eddie says music and film help him understand and express emotions. Lyrics give language to feelings he struggles to name, while movies show him what those emotions look like, helping him connect with others—something that hasn’t always come easily. 

The Camera is Still Rolling …

Actor, comedian, producer and disability advocate Nic Novicki is proud to see Easterseals drive further change in the industry through initiatives like Every1 With Autism Belongs. As a little person who is a board member of Easterseals SoCal and founder and director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Nic is a leading force that has long advocated for disability inclusion in the entertainment industry—and has accomplished great strides.

“As the entertainment industry strives to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace, we are working to keep disability in the conversation,” said Nic, who has appeared in numerous hit films and TV shows. “I created the Film Challenge to help accelerate change within Hollywood and to provide filmmakers and actors with disabilities with tangible work experience and with an opportunity to tell authentic stories—both in front of and behind the camera.

“Ensuring that a PSA campaign about autism acceptance features people with autism and reflects the lived experience of people on the spectrum,” he continued, “is essential to building real understanding, breaking down stereotypes and creating space for more authentic, inclusive storytelling across the industry.”

In the end, authentic casting isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s about telling stories with care, giving opportunities to the right voices and new talent and creating work that is as real and diverse as the audiences who are watching.

Learn more about Easterseals latest campaign Every1 With Autism Belongs by visiting eastersealsautism.com