Lauren Potter has a simple message for everyone, “be exception.” As one of the stars of the hit TV show “Glee,” Potter plays Becky Jackson, the spunky student with special needs.

But it certainly wasn’t an easy path for Potter who was consistently told what she couldn’t be or do, it drove her to work harder. Barriers put in front of her fueled her to show what she was capable of.

Like her character on the show, Potter wants to encourage everyone to not take life for granted and not be discouraged when facing adversity.

Potter said she wants to use her public voice that “Glee” gave her to speak our for other people with disabilities who may not have the same opportunities.

This weekend, as part of her “Living a Glee-ful life” tour, Potter will share her story of perseverance. The event, sponsored by ParentMap will be held at Bellevue College’s Student Union Building Cafeteria on Nov. 15, starting at 2 p.m.

A resource fair for special needs families will be followed by speakers Steven Ferreira, a Bellevue College alum who was born with cerebral palsy, and Ben Wahl, founder of Ryther’s Aspiring Youth Program, which serves young people with Autism, ADHD and other neurological differences.

Ferreira, was born in Taipei Taiwan in 1988, but at 15 decided he wanted to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Since then he’s spoke more than 150 times at regional high schools about what it’s like to live with a disability. In 2011, he founded Beyond Disabilities, a nonprofit designed to spread further awareness of people with disabilities.

Potter is scheduled to present the event’s keynote address followed by a question and answer session with audience members.

Individual tickets are on sale now for $10 or $20 for a family ticket.

For more information visit www.parentmap.com or www.bellevuecollege.edu.