Aria Mia Loberti, a University of Rhode Island graduate who is visually impaired, is breaking industry barriers through her new Netflix role.

In Netflix’s “All the Light We Cannot See,” Aria plays a blind woman in France during WWII. 

Prior to this role, Aria had no major acting experience. She felt that auditioning for this role was an important push towards authentic casting for visually impaired people in the media. 

“I wish the world were a little bit more accepting of people like me so that we could follow our dreams freely,” Aria says.

She emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in film and how seeing characters like herself helped with her own journey of self-acceptance.

Aria says, “This is a significant leap forward for disability inclusion, rights, and representation on screen and beyond. I will never not feel the weight of that, and I will bear it proudly and use it as a catalyst for positive change, equity, and breaking down barriers.”

Embracing her newfound fame, Aria will continue challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the need for more opportunities for marginalized voices in the industry. 

Aria has continued her hard work and is a recently published author and also booked another major role in Roku’s, “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” 

This article has information from the University of Rhode Island and Vanity Fair.