As an actress with cerebral palsy, Christine Bruno has secured roles for herself on network shows like "Law & Order" and in stage productions across the country. And in her work as an advocate for disabled performers, she says more doors may finally be opening.

"Now you see a lot more disability representation, particularly in the last five years... meaning disabled actors playing either disabled actors or playing what we call non-specific roles," Bruno said.

She credits decades of activism and an increasing awareness in the entertainment industry. Those are some of the reasons that she also works as a disability inclusion consultant, helping producers and casting directors shift their thinking.

"Disability is not a technical skill," she said. "It's not your ticket to an Oscar."

At least, Bruno says it shouldn't be. But, she points to the casting of deaf actress Lauren Ridloff, who plays a superhero in the upcoming Marvel film "The Eternals," as one example of progress.

"That is truly groundbreaking" Bruno said. "So, I think the conversations have gotten more nuanced now. When someone calls me, it's not me trying to explain why this is important, and that there are actors out there."

She's hoping that visibility in popular culture can translate into opportunities for disabled workers in other fields, where many struggle.

"Pre-pandemic, the national unemployment rate among non-disabled people is 21%, which is pretty bad," she said. "The national unemployment rate among disabled people pre-pandemic, was 71%."

But the pandemic did bring a silver lining with the shift to remote work, which has long been a goal of disabled activists. Bruno says awareness can go a long way.

"The fact that the entertainment industry brings visibility and [is] supposed to be holding up a mirror to society, that maybe trickles down to sectors that maybe haven't caught on yet," she said.