Breaking Bad and other Shows with Kids who have Disabilities

The other night I was watching the Emmys and so thrilled that my fave show of all time, ‘Breaking Bad‘ had yet again swept the awards with their wins.  I can’t totally articulate why I love that series so much, but I do know that it’s due in part to the fact that they cast a young actor with CP (cerebral palsy) in the role of Walt Jr.  It not only made me look into what could have been Zack’s teen years, but also set the bar for other shows to create an environment of inclusion and celebrating differences.

Watching Walt Jr. use his crutches and talk with some difficulty was such an interesting warm juxtaposition to the crazy, drug and blood-filled episodes.  Seeing as he navigated through his world, grabbing for crutches, trying to gain more independence and even exhibiting very “typical” teen behaviour, created a much needed balance for the family’s chaos.  While not much was ever said about his disability or his diagnosis, there it was in every episode as if to show that in fact his needs were the most “normal” thing about them!

It got me thinking- what other tv shows and movies have portrayed young people with disabilities?  Did they use actors with or without those challenges? 

Here are my favourite shows or movies that include kids who have disabilities;

Breaking Bad– Walt Jr. has CP on this amazing show and uses crutches to get around.  This 20-something actor has CP in real life, but does not use assistance to walk. 

Spy Kids 4– I LOVED that the boy in this film was Hearing Impaired and wore blue hearing aids like Zackie!  My boys thought this was pretty awesome too.  It was not only mentioned in the movie, but celebrated and used as a “superpower”.

Life Goes On– This was one of my favourite shows from the early 90s, long before I even knew the impact of having one of its main characters have Down’s Syndrome.  Chris Burke was one of the first actors on television to show different abilities and he used his celebrity to build awareness for the National Down Syndrome Society. 

Glee– Becky’s wit and attitude on this show provides much of the comic relief.  She breaks down the stereotypes that might exist about kids with special needs and shows us that teens with disabilities can and should be treated like everyone else!  Sue’s relationship with her is exactly that.  Becky feels the same lust, anger, joy and frustrations that the typical teens experience on the show and I just love that she crushes on all the guys.  Her harsh language and brutal honesty shocks and impresses me all at the same time.

Glee– While the show has received backlash for not using an actor who is actually disabled and in a wheelchair, the producers claim they did open casting to actors with all abilities, but found no one with the voice or talent required to play Artie.  I still love that Artie’s talent is not at all limited by the fact that he’s in the wheelchair.  The show has addressed so many of the teen issues of inclusion, independence and sexuality that face youth with disabilities.

Parenthood– Having a boy with Asperger’s on this hit NBC Drama has made an incredible impact on the awareness of Autism and ASD in the mainstream.  I’ve followed Max Braverman’s character as we learned about his diagnosis, watched him struggle in the school system and even navigate complex social relationships.  The show’s creator (who has a son on the spectrum) has balanced the need for social awareness with sensitivity and even a bit of humour.

How to Train Your Dragon– I loved this film as well as its sequel.  Having lost his leg in a near fatal accident, Toothless befriends and even helps build a prosthetic for his dragon Hiccup.  Not limited in any way, Toothless is by far the most fearless and respected dragon trainer in Berk. Since so many younger kids will watch this film, I think it sets the stage for a great discussion about respecting all abilities.

Dophin Tale– One of my favourite movies recognizing difference, celebrating it and finding ways to overcome any obstacle!  By far Winter is the best animal represented in movies with a disability, but its the screen-stealing little girl in a wheelchair who captured what it means to connect with someone who is just like you (thanks to Michelle who reminded me about that amazing scene).

More great movie title ideas from Love That Max.

Update:
Since posting this on my Facebook wall, I’ve heard of more great movies and shows;

American Horror Story– featuring a mentally challenged young woman Jamie Brewer.

So You Think You Can Dance– From my friend, Theresa Sanders;  although it doesn’t feature a character, they have often featured disabilities in various ways…they’ve had numerous contestants audition with disabilities and they always tell their story and highlight them, in September 2012 they featured the Axis Dance Company during one episode who put on a glorious performance featuring dancers in wheelchairs, in June 2008 one of the choreographers Jean Marc Genereaux created a beautiful and moving dance for his daughter with disabilities and dedicated it to her because she loves to watch dance, and even last night one of the dances was about helping someone with visual impairments make their way and find love.