I’ve been pleased with some TV programs, notably “The Good Doctor,” “Born This Way,” and “Speechless.” Finally! Shows that depict people with disabilities as having actual real productive lives. More series now include characters in wheelchairs, for example, as part of their regular cast as opposed to window-dressing gliding through in the background.
I have a physical disability, weakened by polio. But I’m educated, successful, and have a full life–like almost all of my disabled friends. For too long we didn’t see people like us on TV or in the movies (they haven’t evolved yet, though). On the rare occasion that a disabled person appeared, they were those background-gliders, extras in a hospital, or beggars on the streets.
This new trend is having an effect, too. With a tightening job market, employers are actually looking toward hiring people with disabilities. In fact, job statistics show rising employment of that segment of the population.
I’m starting to feel represented. And I’m seeing more people like me working in shops and venues I frequent. It’s about time!