Many of us have been anxiously waiting for the premier of the pilot episode for “Speechless.” The show debuted last night and I have to write that it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was on-point! Speechless is about an American family of five that includes a teen with special needs. The story line is centered around their incredibly, resilient and humorous ability to cope with the many challenges faced by special needs families today. As parents of children with disabilities, we can all relate to Minnie Driver’s character, “Maya,” who is a relentless and fierce mother who will stop at nothing to protect her son JJ (played by Micah Fowler).
JJ is a delightful young man with a great sense of humor. He has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair and a sophisticated device for communicating with others. Maya uproots their entire family (again) to a new home for JJ's fresh start at another new school – this time he gets an AIDE! It’s every special needs parent's dream to have an aide by his or her child’s side at school, and Maya knows this is one accommodation you don’t pass up.
From the start, the episode raises awareness of the true-life issues with regards to access experienced by many members of the disability community who use wheelchairs. In one hilarious scene, Maya takes on the school principal by citing her for not having an accessible ramp made available in the front of the school – not the back of the school where trash is dumped!
That wasn’t the only issue tackled, the show dared to highlight issues of inclusion in regular classroom settings as well. It took a brilliantly comedic approach at illustrating the well-intentions, but often times insulting attempts made trying to make someone with a disability feel welcomed. JJ enters his classroom for the first time and is greeted by an unwarranted round of applause and then standing ovation by his fellow classmates. His teacher, extremely nervous and anxious to welcome his new student, ridiculously overcompensates by immediately nominating JJ to become the school's Student Council President! He even had a sign made!
JJ types the most sensible reply, "Why? You don't know me."
This show gets a two thumbs up from me. While I can certainly relate to Maya, I have learned over the years to take a more partnership approach in handling issues with my son’s school. Still, I love her energy, strength, and the fact that she is a driving force not to be reckoned with. I think this is the perfect show for ridding our society of the many misconceptions and myths that come with having a disability. I’m going to be a regular viewer, I’m already a fan.
© 2016 Sensory Friends
That wasn’t the only issue tackled, the show dared to highlight issues of inclusion in regular classroom settings as well. It took a brilliantly comedic approach at illustrating the well-intentions, but often times insulting attempts made trying to make someone with a disability feel welcomed. JJ enters his classroom for the first time and is greeted by an unwarranted round of applause and then standing ovation by his fellow classmates. His teacher, extremely nervous and anxious to welcome his new student, ridiculously overcompensates by immediately nominating JJ to become the school's Student Council President! He even had a sign made!
JJ types the most sensible reply, "Why? You don't know me."
This show gets a two thumbs up from me. While I can certainly relate to Maya, I have learned over the years to take a more partnership approach in handling issues with my son’s school. Still, I love her energy, strength, and the fact that she is a driving force not to be reckoned with. I think this is the perfect show for ridding our society of the many misconceptions and myths that come with having a disability. I’m going to be a regular viewer, I’m already a fan.
© 2016 Sensory Friends
RSS Feed