USA Sets PSA Commemorating Disabilities Act Anniversary

USA Network will air a public service announcement commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act during the July 27 episode of Covert Affairs.
The network, as part of its "Characters Unite" anti-discrimination campaign, will create the original PSA to highlight the progress of the ADA, which barred discrimination in employment against qualified individuals with disabilities, according to network officials. Christopher Gorham, who portrays a blind CIA operative (Auggie) in Covert Affairs will star in the PSA.
In addition to the PSA, USA will provide information for visitors online, including facts and statistics on people with disabilities in the workplace and links to important resources such as the AAPD and The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free service that offers advice and information about workplace accommodations, said the network.
"Thanks to the ADA, millions of people with disabilities like Christopher Gorham's character have been able to work in virtually every field and every type of business, even the CIA," said Alexandra Shapiro senior vice president, brand marketing and digital, USA Network in a statement. "But we also know that barriers for people with disabilities remain and we are proud to partner with the AAPD in our "Characters Unite" campaign to raise awareness and encourage viewers to join the fight against persisting discrimination."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.