is co-founder and Artistic Director of Open Circle Theatre, Washington, D.C.’s first professional theatre promoting careers in the arts for people with disabilities, formed in 2004 by a group of people with and without disabilities. OCT produces high-quality, inventive theatre productions, and many critically acclaimed shows that provide opportunities for professional theater artists with and without disabilities. Mixing arts with advocacy, Ms. Richard has worked on and served in various local, national, and international accessibility and disabilities-related councils and committees; authored chapters in a number of books on arts and disabilities and has been presenting workshops and residencies in local school systems as well as around the country. She currently works as a professional actress in Washington, D.C. area, has performed in more than 30 productions, and even toured as a dancer (http://opencircletheatre.org/artistic-director/).