Almost every day, Guilford resident and wheelchair user Joe Genera gets up before dawn, drives to the train station to make the trip to Manhattan where he rehearses or performs on the stage or screen, along with taking voice and acting lessons.
This month, the Connecticut actor who has landed roles on the hit TV show “30 Rock”, has sung at the Met, and has penned an autobiography, will take center stage in his latest, and perhaps most personal role, as one of the master of ceremonies for the first-ever New York City Disability Pride Parade. The parade on July 12 is part of the festivities celebrating the landmark 1990 legislation, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), that aims to provide equal access for people with disabilities.
Genera, who was present at the original signing of the ADA, says he sees his role as an opportunity to open a dialogue with Americans on disability.
“I’ve always felt that we need to create more understanding about what it means to have a disability, and I like to accomplish that through openness and humor,” says Genera, 53. “I’ve been in this wheelchair for 30 years, and I’m here to say that we can accomplish great things when we all give each other a chance and work together.”
Genera re-ignited his lifelong passion for acting and singing five years ago. He decided he would hit the streets of New York to, as he says, literally roll his way back into the entertainment industry.
“I had to sell myself as an actor or singer, often helping to find ways to incorporate the chair. I’m breaking barriers while Broadway bound!” he says.
The parade will begin at Madison Square Park, and takes a route down Broadway to Union Station Park. At Union Station Park, Genera will act as the host/emcee for the afternoon, announcing other entertainers and speakers, and cracking jokes. Thousands are expected to attend the celebration.
About Joseph Genera
Joseph Genera is an actor, singer, and voice-over artist in the Connecticut/New York City area. His acting credits include (TV) 30 Rock, Unusual Suspects, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives, (Theater) The Many Faces of Elvis & Pinocchio the (Rock!) Musical, and upcoming films Russian Doll & Irony of Catharsis. Mr. Genera is also an author; his book Arrested Youth is set to publish soon. Mr. Genera uses a wheelchair.
About The Disability Pride Parade Disability Pride Day NYC 2015 and Parade is set to begin at noon on July 12, 2015, with festivities and parade formation starting at 10 AM. The parade route begins at Madison Square Park, traveling down Broadway, and ending at Union Station Park. The parade is a celebration of people with disabilities and all that has been accomplished since the ADA passed 25 years ago. The celebration culminates at Union Station Park with entertainment. More information can be found at http://disabilitypridenyc.com/.