With Glee! as a news hook, mainstream media acknowledges actors with disabilities

[jesse_the_k]

Thanks to Lawrence Carter-Long, an enthusiastic support of films with disability issues, who brought this to my attention:

'Glee' wheelchair episode hits bump with disabled

LOS ANGELES — The glee club members twirl their wheelchairs to the tune of "Proud Mary" and in joyful solidarity with Artie, the fellow performer who must use his chair even when the music stops.

The scene in Wednesday's episode of the hit Fox series "Glee," which regularly celebrates diversity and the underdog, is yet another uplifting moment — except to those in the entertainment industry with disabilities and their advocates.

For them, the 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.

The article goes on to quote two actors with disabilities and five behind-the-scenes advocates (probably because LA is a company town for TV.)

Let's hear it for union solidarity! Unions for actors on film, TV and stage are mounting a "civil rights campaign." I AM PWD, Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People with Disabilities includes a blog of union members' experiences.

Comments

[sasha_feather]

That is a good article! I have been seeing a bunch of links and posts on this topic lately.

[heyfoureyes]

thanks for bringing this to my attention! I saw the first part of the show and never questioned if Artie was played by a person with a disability.

[sasha_feather]

This post has been included in a linkspam at access-fandom. Thank you!

[djkittycat]

As I thought, Robert David Hall is one of the people who runs the actors blog referenced in the article. He is awesome!