Disabled Asian American Guest Stars on Hawaii Five 0

By Louis Chan
AsAmNews National Correspondent

Did you catch Friday’s episode of Hawaii Five-0?

Kanya Sesser who in real life is a model, surfer and skateboarder who was born with no legs, plays Rosie Valera–a former rival of Kono (Grace Park) on the surfing circuit.

The two reunite when Kono gets a call from her long lost friend to bail her out of jail for a minor offense.

Rosie is an Iraq War veteran who lost both legs when an IED explodes in her convoy.

It’s great to see a disabled actress get a shot on prime time TV. Calls for diversity from the disabled community, may not have gotten the attention that those of people of color have gotten, but its just as important.

The disabled should be as much of a part of the mainstream as everyone else.

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“When I look at life, there’s no disability,” said Sesser to Abilities. “I don’t see that as being a disability because even though I have no legs, there’s nothing I can’t do. I’m blessed for what I have so that’s all that matters.”

Sesser’s story on Five-0 is a touching one. You can still catch it on the internet if you missed it. If you do, be sure to watch until the end of the episode. Each scene that Sesser appears reveals another layer of her complex story.

Sesser is from Thailand and adopted at the age of six by a couple in Oregon.

She is an inspiration to all, but especially to the disabled community. Comments left on Abilities website were overwhelmingly positive.

“She has limitless abilities and clearly fears only not having done something ! We should all be so lucky to have her can do attitude. YOU GO GIRL!!,” said one commenter.

“Love her, such energy and spirit.Hope she is on again.”

“She’s BEAUTIFUL . Love her spirit . Love to see more of her.”

Producers of Five-0  have not ruled out bringing her character back.
 
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