Say What? Television and persons with disabilities

A recent scene of the TV episode “Glee” had members of the Glee Club in wheelchairs for three hours a day. In the same episode, a girl with Down’s syndrome tried out and made the cheerleading squad, even though she was criticized by her teacher/coach for her poor performance. But, as we learn at the end of the episode, the teacher/coach has a sister with Down’s syndrome. Their visit provides us with insight into a rare and tender moment with an otherwise prejudiced and difficult woman.

All of this is great since television provides us all with an opportunity to reinforce attitudes and raise awareness regarding individuals with disabilities, particularly those in wheelchairs. But it’s not all fun and games. In the end the music stops and unlike real life, the cast can get up and walk away.

Lynn Elber, of Associated Press, addresses this in the Arts & Entertainment section of The San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, November 13, 2009, when she states,

            “The scene in (Wednesday’s) episode of the hit Fox series “Glee” is yet
            another uplifting moment—except to those in the entertainment industry
            with disabilities and their advocates.”
            “For them, casting of a non-disabled actor to play the paraplegic high school
            student is another blown chance to hire a performer who truly fits the role”

            “Executive producer Brad Falchuk states, ‘It was very hard to find people
            who could really sing, really act and have that charisma you need on TV.’”

Have you seen “Glee”? What are your thoughts?

Julie