Affordable housing for people with I/DD is in low supply. Learn what ALSO is doing to make a difference.
Affordable housing for people with I/DD is in low supply. Learn what ALSO is doing to make a difference.
Grab some popcorn and gather family and friends to watch these terrific movies and TV shows that highlight people with disabilities. ALSO staff hand-picked these great stories because of the numerous sensitive and accurate portrayals of individuals living with disabilities.
Gerard Quinn, United Nations Rapporteur on the Rights of People with Disabilities, stresses the importance of positive disability representation in the entertainment industry and social media as powerful vehicles for change that reduce discrimination and stigma related to disabilities and other marginalized identity groups. Although Hollywood and other popular media have their flaws, it will always be a crucial part of global culture as, “…a vibrant space that helps us frame our realities and imagine the future…a vital ingredient for change.”
LEARN MORE: Keely Cat-Wells, an entrepreneur with physical disabilities, started C-Talent, representing artists with disabilities.
An award-winning film about a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) navigating her passion for singing while balancing responsibilities to her Deaf family. It features Deaf actors Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur.
This touching adventure stars Zach Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, playing a man who pursues his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.
An award-winning documentary about the early disability rights movement, featuring stories from a summer camp that sparked a generation of advocates.
Explores the journey of a drummer experiencing hearing loss and finding community in the Deaf world. The film features Paul Raci and several Deaf actors.
A comedy-drama about a medical transport driver and his passengers, featuring Lauren “Lolo” Spencer, an actress and advocate with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
A short film highlighting the connection between a homeless teen and a DeafBlind man. It stars Robert Tarango, a DeafBlind actor.
Based on a New York Times Bestseller, this motion picture is about two Deaf children across different eras. Deaf actress Millicent Simmonds plays a lead role.
A documentary based on the experiences of nonspeaking persons with autism, celebrating their individual voices and perspectives.
The character of Walter White Jr. in this long-running series is played by RJ Mitte, who has cerebral palsy (CP). He successfully brought authentic representation of people with disabilities to the role.
Actor Michael Fowler, who has CP, stars in this sitcom about a family advocating for their teenaged son, JJ.
A coming-of-age series about a teenager on the autism spectrum. Advocacy by the autism community improved authentic representation of people with disabilities as the show progressed.
Created by and starring Deaf actors Shoshanna Stern and Josh Feldman, exploring relationships in the Deaf community.
This popular series features several Deaf actors as main characters, including Katie LeClerc and Marlee Matlin. A major aspect of the story focuses on the Deaf community. The show made history when an entire episode was filmed in American Sign Language.
This series follows three roommates on the autism spectrum, portrayed by actors who themselves have autism.
Includes May Calamawy as Dena, who has muscular dystrophy. Her portrayal is informed by personal experiences from her own life.
Features disability rights advocate and wheelchair user Wesley Hamilton in a story of resilience and advocacy.
A Pixar short featuring a nonverbal girl with autism, voiced by Madison Bandy, who is nonverbal.
Features actors with disabilities, including Graham Norton, reflecting neurodivergent traits while voicing Moonwind.
Finding Nemo (2003)
A full-length animated film featuring Nemo, a clown fish with an underdeveloped fin due to an injury at a young age, representing and bringing a positive spin for children with limb differences and their “lucky fins.”
Actor RJ Mitte says the attitude of the entertainment industry regarding the disability community has changed in recent years. It’s challenging the status quo by “…reflecting honest and true people with disabilities,…not just about their disabilities, but a person that may or may not have a challenge, and that’s all of us.” A great step towards the full community inclusion that we’re all working for!
ALSO is an Oregon non-profit providing support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We provide person-centered services designed to help those with support achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities. Learn more today!
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