Jessica Frew

Being determined comes natural for Jessica Frew. The actor, model, author, and disability awareness advocate is also a law student. Despite being non-verbal as a result from her Cerebral Palsy, nothing has gotten in the way of Frew’s dreams. Here's what she had to say in a recent sit down with:

The VIP Crew: First and foremost, Jessica, please continue to inspire because your story is one that not only needs to be told, but repeated by anyone who has ever been told, “No.” How are you doing?

Frew: Actually, I’m so blessed to go through all the negative experiences in my life with people’s ableist comments, acts, etc., although it was hard and impacted me for many years mentally, emotionally, etc. However, I do feel I wouldn’t be this strong, confident person if I didn’t have negative experiences in my life; it pushes me to fight harder and prove myself.

 The VIP Crew: Despite having a disability, cerebral palsy, you continue to check boxes that some may consider unobtainable. How do you continue to push forward and accomplish your goals?

 Frew: With a strong positive mindset and a fight to continue to push forward and accomplish my goals. When negative things do happen to me, I take a deep breath and find the light at the end of the dark road. Instead of getting overwhelmed with negative thoughts like I did for all my life, I don’t let anything try to stop me from accomplishing my goals in life.

The VIP Crew: What do you feel is the biggest misperception that people have of someone with a disability? 

Frew: The biggest misperception that people have of someone with a disability is people automatically, I think people are helpless burdens that need to be cared for, for the rest of their lives. People don’t view people as successful, independent, and able to live an everyday life. They just see all the negative sides of having a disability. The truth is that having a disability does not stop you from doing anything in life; it just makes you 10 times stronger to fight for it.

 The VIP Crew: You have authored a book. Tell me how, “The Nonverbal Princess” came to fruition.

Frew: I wanted to write a children's book because people have treated me differently since I was young and thought I wouldn't know anything because I was nonverbal. Hence, people used to say very mean stuff right before me without realizing I could understand everything they were saying, making me feel worthless. I didn't even have the confidence to communicate with my computer in public or even with my family; I just used it for schoolwork Until I found the confidence in myself. I want to teach children worldwide that people with disabilities or differences who look, or act differently are humans with emotions too.

The VIP Crew: You are also a model and you’re an actress. Were these two occupations the toughest in terms of building your confidence before taking roles?

 Frew: Actually, it is not the toughest in terms of building my confidence; it helps and makes it more potent because the industry is tough for anyone, no matter if you are disabled or not, and booking a role or gigs is like winning a lottery. I mean, booking a role or gigs is hit or miss. I just be myself and don’t take it personally.

The VIP Crew: Despite the barriers, you continue to be a voice for the voiceless, you continue to be an inspiration. You could easily take your accomplishments, your achievements, and do your own thing. How important is it for you to remain proactive for those with disabilities?

Frew: it means the world to me to remain proactive for those with disabilities Because I can change so many people’s lives and be a role model for them to try to make the negative things easier for them to go through in life, like from what I had to go through growing up without a disabled role model.

The VIP Crew: What do you feel is the best method to get people to see beyond a person’s disabilities? Do you feel it’s as simple as people being educated on these disabilities?

Frew: I feel is the best method to get people to see beyond a person’s disabilities is to require our school systems to have a required class about disabled and diverse differences to teach children that various people are human, just like everyone else. It would teach non-disabled children at a young age about individuals with disabilities and how to treat them with respect. Also, having a good equal representation in the media of people with disabilities because it’s the lack of education about people with disabilities that creates ableism. It feels beyond amazing to be as simple as people being educated on these disabilities as a first step in the right direction  

The VIP Crew: We discussed your modeling career, you being an author, trailblazer, advocate, and yet we haven’t even got to the part about you being a law student. How do you balance everything?

Frew: I would say with good time management and a go-getter mindset, although, unfortunately, I took a break from the industry for 2 years to focus on school, and I was not in place in my life, I need to find myself again, but now since I'm all settled into school and I found myself again, I’m starting to get into the industry full speed ahead, and my school and work is very flexible with my career, which helps a lot.

 The VIP Crew: Where do you get your strength and your mindset from?

Frew: I get my strength and my mindset from God and Jesus Christ, as well as my mom, but mainly God and Christ because they give me the strength, the light, the power, and the fight even when I feel like I have no fight left. They give me the strength and power to see the light in the darkness and fight as never before. Although it took something scary to happen to find God and Jesus and to understand how their powers work, but I’m glad I finally found them and let them in. People don’t understand you can’t control negative things from happening, but you have control over how it affects your mentality.

The VIP Crew: I love your idea of wanting to see Disney create a character with a disability. How amazing and inspiring would that be?

Frew: Seeing a nonverbal princess in a Disney fairy tale, such as Cinderella or Snow White Along with many other Disney fairy tales, would fulfill a lifelong dream of mine, demonstrating to children worldwide that individuals with disabilities are human beings with emotions, capable of achieving anything, just like those without disabilities. Also, it would be a role model for kids with disabilities to see the first nonverbal disabled Disney Princess to look up to.

The VIP Crew: Jessica… we need more people like you in this world. You are beautiful inside and out, and I look forward to keeping up with all your endeavors. I’m exhausted just thinking about your schedule. Continue to make us all proud. Is there anything else you’d like to say in closing?

Frew: Yes, one more thing: I have been co-writing on a few features and series that my writing partner and I are currently trying to pitch about 3 years now, that would make TV history and change people how people view people with disabilities moving forward if they ever get pitched, it is so hard to pitch things in the industry but I believe there is timing for everything and I have faith they will someday.