These series that offer another vision of disability

31/07/2021

Long ignored by television dramas, disability is becoming increasingly important in new shows. A strong and essential subject on which TV series allow us to take a new look. Let's focus on six gems of the small screen which are interested in these mental and physical disorders, often overlooked.

Speechless
Speechless

Centered on a teenager with cerebral palsy, the series created by Scott Silveri follows the adventures of said young boy, J.J., and his slightly eccentric family. After many moves, the little clan settles in a city that finally seems to please everyone and where J.J. manages to find a personal assistant that suits him. While his disability is a real obstacle to his autonomy, J.J. is full of energy and determination to carry out all his projects. Filled with comedy and emotions, the three seasons of Speechless do not hesitate to point out all the problems that a person with reduced mobility can encounter in today's society, but also offer many possibilities to the main character, who is not simply reduced to his condition.

Special
Special

Producer, writer, director and even actor of the series, Ryan O'Connell adapted, with Special, his autobiography for the small screen. Like his character, O'Connell has mild cerebral palsy, and tells the daily life of a young gay man with a disability, who is simply looking for a normal and happy life. This very touching program highlights the obstacles that stand in his way every day, as well as the difficulties he encounters in building relationships and getting open about his disability.

Doc
Doc

An Italian medical TV show, Doc focuses on many pathologies of all kinds, obviously. However, the program is particularly interested in the character of Dr. Andrea Fanti, who has lost his memory after being shot in the head. Without the slightest memory of the last twelve years, he therefore has to resume his life where he left off and imagine a new future, without having a past. In parallel, the script also focuses on the intern Riccardo Bonvegna, who lost part of his leg when he was a teenager. A physical disability, which has not prevented him from achieving his professional goals, but which hinders him terribly in his social relationships, especially when it comes to dating. Simply put, the show offers different perspectives on disability, while addressing issues that are as realistic as they are moving.

Astrid and Raphaëlle
Astrid et Raphaëlle

This original detective series, created by Alexandre de Seguins and Laurent Burtin, highlights a duo of extraordinary investigators. While working as a documentalist for the judicial police, Astrid Nielsen, a 30-year-old autistic woman, is brought to team up with Commander Raphaëlle Coste. While the first one is extremely discreet, solitary and reserved, the second one is quite the opposite. Blunt and straightforward, extroverted and very sociable, the policewoman gives some relational advice to her buddy, who brings her methodical rigor in turn. Through these affairs and this explosive friendship, the program addresses different aspects of the autistic spectrum, while efficiently avoiding the pitfall of contemplation of the genius related to hypersensitivities and specific interests characteristic of this disability.

SKAM France
SKAM France

Dedicated to the character of Arthur, season 5 of SKAM France explores several issues related to invisible disabilities. The high school student sees his life turned upside down overnight when he loses almost all of his hearing. He then has to discover step by step the world of deafness, while going on, as far as possible, with his everyday life as it was before. More than a communication problem, the young man quickly realizes that his infirmity is leading to profound changes in his relationships with others, his perception of himself and more generally in his relationship with the world. A real dive into the psychology and intimacy of his character, which offers an internal and particularly moving point of view on the lives of the hearing impaired.

Vikings
Vikings

While Vikings is not strictly speaking focused on disability, Michael Hirst's series follows the character of Ivar the Boneless, suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta, for several seasons. Born with extremely fragile legs that prevent him from walking, the young man must fight for his survival at every moment in a world of vikings where weakness has no place. Growing up, Ragnar Lothbrok's youngest son has to face pity in the eyes of his loved ones, but also rejection and lack of love that gradually fill his heart with hatred. As an adult, Ivar draws his strength from his intellect and ingenuity to prove that his disability does not hinder him in any way in his most ambitious aspirations.

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