Daily Inspiration: Meet Jon-Lee Campbell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon-Lee Campbell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Alaska and moved around a lot during my childhood. At 16, my life took a drastic turn when I was in a car accident that left me paraplegic. At the time of the wreck, I was living and working in Oshkosh, Nebraska. Despite this life-altering event, I was determined not to let it define me. 

I earned a scholarship for theatre in college, where I became the assistant director of the theatre department and served as the president of the theatre club. After college, I tried to pursue acting, but I faced significant challenges. No one wanted to give me roles that weren’t specifically written for someone in a wheelchair. The cost of building my acting portfolio was too much on a limited income as a single mother, and these challenges took a toll on my mental health. 

Determined to do what I loved, I started L.U.N.A. Theatre Company, which stood for Love, Understanding, Nurturing, and Awareness. Our theatre company focused on raising awareness for nonprofits and their causes through our plays. We did shows about diabetes, autism, domestic violence, organ donation, and more. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2018, I had to stop the theatre company due to a serious health issue that required me to spend most of 2019 in the hospital. 

During my 10-month hospitalization, I began to think about what Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE) could become. In January 2020, I started DAE as a Facebook group, and we achieved our 501(c)(3) status in April 2021. Our mission is to create a platform that amplifies the voices and talents of people with disabilities. We produce inclusive and diverse content, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive entertainment industry. 

Today, I’m proud of the projects we’ve launched and the supportive community we’ve built. My journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity, driving our vision for a more diverse entertainment landscape. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. As a single mother of four, I’ve faced significant financial challenges. Limited income made it difficult to invest in my career and personal development. Finding accessible housing has been another major hurdle, as many places aren’t designed for individuals who use wheelchairs, making it hard for me to function independently. 

Society’s view of people with disabilities has also been a constant obstacle. I’ve faced prejudice and discrimination, often being underestimated or seen through a lens of pity or as someone to be put on a pedestal. This societal view has impacted my mental health, leading to struggles with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The lack of roles for disabled actors has been particularly disheartening. Despite my passion and skills, I’ve never been given a film acting role that truly showcases my abilities. People in the industry often only consider me for roles specifically written for someone in a wheelchair, which severely limits my opportunities. 

These challenges have been compounded by my ongoing battle with mental health. Managing depression and anxiety while trying to build a career and raise a family has been incredibly tough. Despite these obstacles, I’ve remained determined to pursue my dreams. Founding Differently Abled Entertainment has been a way to take control of my narrative and create opportunities not just for myself but for others facing similar challenges. My journey has taught me resilience and the importance of advocating for inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the founder of Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE), my work is centered on amplifying the voices and talents of individuals with disabilities. I specialize in creating inclusive and diverse content that challenges stereotypes and promotes representation in the entertainment industry. With over 35 years of experience in the arts, my background as an actress, model, director, and producer sets me apart from others in the field. 

Throughout my career, I have performed in and/or directed over 70 plays, appeared in 12 feature films, 8 short films, 6 music videos, and 1 TV episode. My work as an internationally published model and podcast host, along with countless interviews on TV, podcasts, and magazines, further showcases my versatility and commitment to the arts. My social media presence, with over 13,000 followers (including 7.8K on Facebook), allows me to connect with a broad audience and advocate for inclusivity. 

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the creation of L.U.N.A. Theatre Company, where we raised awareness for various nonprofits through our productions. Each play was dedicated to a cause, ranging from diabetes and autism to domestic violence and organ donation. This work allowed me to combine my passion for the arts with advocacy, creating meaningful and impactful performances. 

What truly sets me apart is my ability to transform personal challenges into opportunities for advocacy and empowerment. As a single mother of four, living with a disability has been a constant battle, from finding accessible housing to overcoming societal prejudices. Despite these obstacles, I have built a platform that not only showcases my talents but also uplifts others who face similar struggles. 

Through DAE, I have created a supportive community that fosters creativity and inclusivity. Our work includes producing feature films, web series, and inclusive experiences that highlight the stories of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups. I am particularly proud of our 501(c)(3) status, achieved in April 2021, which has allowed us to expand our reach and impact. 

My journey has been shaped by resilience and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Whether through my art or my advocacy, I strive to make the world a more inclusive place, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated. This dedication to breaking barriers and redefining representation is what drives me every day. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Tucson is great! I love it here, and it truly feels like my HOME now. After moving around so much in life, it’s wonderful to feel like I’ve finally found a place where I belong. I love the vibrant food scene, the rich arts culture, and the diversity that is present everywhere. The community here is welcoming and supportive, which makes living in Tucson an enriching experience. 

However, the housing crisis is a real issue that saddens me. Rent prices are out of control, which is my main complaint. This crisis has led to a growing population of homeless individuals, increased drug usage, and other crimes. People need homes, and the situation is exacerbated by greedy landlords who prioritize profit over people’s well-being. Addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the wonderful sense of community that makes Tucson so special. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ourdae.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/differentlyabledentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/differentlyabledentertainment
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourdae/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/diffabledent
• Other: https://givebutter.com/diffabled

Image Credits
Fred Haider
Jessica Delgado
Stacey Sizemore
Ramona Howard
Ernesto Sanchez
Ashlee Sanderson
Ricky Sprau
Tony Zinman
Karma Campbell
Jasper Campbell
Wyatt Yazzie
Gabriella Campbell