Tony Coelho: To accept the 2011 AAPD Image award is a on behalf of the cast and the creative team behind Glee, is a young woman who appears regularly on Glee as one of my, and I hope all of your, favorite characters: Becky Jackson. Becky is a member of Sue Sylvester's elite cheerleading squad. She is a young actress who has Down Syndrome and is a member of the Down Syndrom Association of Los Angeles, a non-profit agency that offers programs, resources, and counceling. Contacted through the Association, this actress began with a single appearance on Glee and has been a recurring character ever since. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome actress Lauren Potter. lots of applause
Lauren Potter: Wow! Lauren laughs Um, that's a really great clip that they made. Thank you Secretary Duncan. I admire all that you and President Obama are doing to stop bullying. It is an honor to be here tonight to accept this very special award from AAPD. On behalf of everyone at Glee we very much appreciate the honor. It is truly an honor to be in the presence of tonight's award winners. I am fortunate to be on TV, but the real heroes are those mentioned tonight and the others around the country who are working hard to disable "lables." It truly takes a village to ensure opportunities for everyone regardless of ability. I am thankful everyday for the vision of Ryan Murhphy, Brad Falchuck, and Ian Brennan, Glee's creators, for including Becky Jackson and allowing me to bring her to life. It's important for me to use the celebrity power Glee has granted me to raise awareness for youths with disabilities which I am doing as the spokesperson for AbilityPath.org's "Disabled Bullying" campaign. When you leave tonight, you can hire your "celebrity power" that is among friends, family, or co-workers, and business partners and find your inner "Glee" and sing the praises of the talent and the passion that people with disabilities bring. Thank you again for this amazing award. choking up I am going to make sure that it sits next to our Golden Globe. Keep watching the show! Oh my God, I'm gonna cry... choking up Hopefully our networks will take notice, and with any luck there will be more Beckies on our TV shows and our movie screens. Thank you everyone! applause
more applause
Tony Coehlo: Isn't she great? still more applause Thank you Lauren.