A few class periods we talked about disability in the media and one person mentioned the show Switched at Birth. That show is actually one of my favorite television series. Although I am a cinematic arts major, I never really have time to keep up with shows or stay updated with the latest reality shows. Most of what I watch is game shows and Netflix binges. When I found Switched at Birth I was pleasantly surprised in the way the creators incorporated disabilities into the show with not only the main characters but with the supporting characters as well. In this show being deaf was not actually shown as a disabling feature or hardship. It allowed the viewer to be embraced in deaf culture and, for me, gave a new understanding on what it truly means to be deaf or disabled. I would even go as far to say that the show challenges the definition of being disabled completely. The show also plays on the preconceived ideas that deaf and disabled people can’t drive cars, motorcycles,  or get a steady job. The main characters who deal with these issues are questioned initially but continue to prove others wrong by being able to do what the hearing kids can do as well. I think the show overall successfully addresses the issues faced in the deaf community and helps people who are not familiar with this lifestyle relate to the characters in their own way.

Disability in the mainstream media has grew in the past couple years. I was recently at a concert and the main artist brought out a disabled man with no legs who has climbed mount Kilimanjaro and did service trips in Africa in order to support less fortunate people. I’ve also  seen movies like the fault in our stars become increasingly successful in which the main character is not physically disabled in the way that she has no limbs but is medically limited. It almost feels as if the media is trying to redefine what it means to be disabled and the perceptions behind the disabled not living an independent life. We also saw this in Murderball where the men were determined to prove their masculinity and strength even though they were confined to a wheel chair. Theses shows and appearances over the last semester have given me a new perspective on disability in the community because I never really noticed how much we take simple things such as the sidewalk designs for granted while there are people who are happy to just be able to order coffee by themselves.