10/06/2026
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re shining the spotlight on someone very special to the Inclusion Matters family: Ana Sharp!
Ana, who has cerebral palsy and a developmental disability, has been a member of our Inclusion Matters Youth Choir for the past several years, sharing her talent and joyful spirit with our community. Now, she’s taking center stage in a whole new way—starring in the new feature film Rise and Shine!
Ana plays Terri, a neurodiverse teenager with cerebral palsy and developmental delays who dreams of attending high school, making friends, gaining independence, and going to prom. Inspired by the true story and memoir Remembering Terri by Janice Steele, the film explores something at the very heart of our mission: the desire to participate, connect, and belong.
We’re especially excited that Rise and Shine embraces authentic disability representation, with Ana and several other neurodivergent cast members bringing their own lived experiences to the screen. Representation matters—not only seeing people with disabilities on screen, but giving them opportunities to tell stories in which they are fully seen.
We have watched Ana grow and shine, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her bringing this story to the big screen.
Rise and Shine opens at AMC Theatres on Friday, October 23. We hope you’ll join us in cheering on this rising star!
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, Ana reminds us what can happen when people with disabilities have opportunities to share their talents, tell their stories, and take their rightful place in the spotlight.
Way to shine, Ana!