More actors with Down syndrome are appearing in movies and television—a conscious effort (it seems) by Hollywood to introduce more characters with disabilities. Upcoming movies such as Café de Flore and Any Day Now will focus on raising children with Down syndrome (the latter features a gay couple adopting a Down syndrome teen). Shows such as “Glee,” “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” and “American Horror Story” all have recurring characters with the condition. “It feels amazing to be a role model for people with and without disabilities,” says Lauren Potter, who appears on “Glee.” “I get mail from people all over the world now from people who tell me they didn’t really understand Down syndrome, but because of me they have read about it and studied it and now they know a lot more about it. Lots of people with little kids or babies with Down syndrome tell me they aren’t afraid of the future or their child because of what I am doing to help people understand it better.” (Fox News)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com, and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife Wendy and his two children. Follow him on Twitter.