Television
Disability on TV has been a controversial topic among the disability community for years. Issues include: how are people with disabilities portrayed, how many characters in TV shows have disabilities, and who plays those characters (an actor with the disability or someone faking it), among others. Today there are some notable actors with disabilities who are starting to change assumptions, most notably Michael J. Fox, CSI's Robert David Hall, Marlee Matlin, Josh Blue, and others. Read about the actors - and shows - that are changing the game in Hollywood.
He’s been profoundly deaf since birth, but that didn’t stop this New York-based artist. Born in Kedah, Malaysia, Leon, 31 learned American Sign Language as a child. He drew and painted incessantly, inspired by the colorful covers of music cassettes....
Wheelchair user Teal Sherer starred in a recent TV spot that promoted doing the responsible thing rather than taking the easy way out. Despite obstacles, no one "rescues" her; instead, she overcomes all obstacles herself to achieve her goal.
Disability Community Cheers for Ad Starring Wheelchair User Teal Sherer
Deaf actress Marlee Matlin gives advice on how to encourage special-needs children to put their stamp on the world while discussing her successful Dance with the Stars experience.
Marlee Matlin Kicks Up Her Heels on "Dancing with the Stars"
A spinal cord injury paralyzed Mitch Longley from the waist down in high school, but he continued with his dream of becoming an actor. Today, the ex-model has a feature role on Las Vegas and his own nonprofit for people with disabilities.
Mitch Longley, SCI Survivor Stands Up for the Disability Community
Articles
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Marlee Matlin Produces "My Deaf Family"
Read why deaf actress Marlee Matlin's deaf reality TV pilot "My Deaf Family" starring hearing teen Jared Firl is getting rave reviews from the deaf community.
Is Fox’s “Glee” Truly a Very Special Disability Comedy?
Audiences are falling for “Glee,” a Fox comedy that shows a character with a disability, Artie. But some in the disability community are frustrated that Artie isn’t played by an actual wheelchair user...
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Disability Life Depicted in Friday Night Lights
Tackling disability issues, weekly show Friday Night Lights examines what happens, physically and mentally, when the star high school quarterback gets a neck injury that puts him in a wheelchair.
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