Four TV Shows to Learn More About Disabilities
Today, we live alongside rapid technological advances and social changes. The advent of technology has made it easier to disseminate information and provide learning media. One form of learning media is through watching or performing arts. In the context of inclusive education, utilizing technology with performing arts media is one way to spread a deeper understanding of what inclusion is.
Through performing arts such as films or dramas, we can take steps to help change misperceptions and stereotypes about disability. By watching shows that raise these issues, we can immerse ourselves in the experience, celebrate diversity, and understand each individual fairly. Here are four shows that are suitable for learning about disability and broadening our horizons.
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Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)
This documentary film, set in the 1970s, tells the story of a Catskills summer camp for people with disabilities and a group of disability rights activists in America. The camp created friendships and enthusiasm for both groups to fight for legal protection for the inclusion of people with disabilities in everyday life in the US.
This film presents various perspectives and stories told from each character's point of view. People with disabilities in this film are not portrayed as helpless objects but as powerful subjects who can spark a revolution in the US. The clips shown do not exploit their suffering but rather show the determination and strength of people with disabilities. This film is suitable for viewing to gain a deeper understanding of the struggle for social inclusion.
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Wonder (2017)
A family film that warms the hearts of everyone who watches it. Wonder tells the story of a boy with a rare facial deformity syndrome called “Mandibulofacial Dysostosis” who decides to attend a private school after previously being homeschooled. The film depicts the boy's journey in facing the social challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The film explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and compassion. Wonder is one of the films that can help raise awareness about inclusion for people with disabilities.
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Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
A Korean drama about a lawyer named Young Woo, who has autism spectrum disorder and photographic memory. This sixteen-episode drama features a variety of discussions on serious social issues, such as mental health, labor rights, and sexism. The series depicts the character's disability in a natural way that celebrates his uniqueness and behavior as differences that can make life more enjoyable.
The episode also shows several instances of people underestimating Young Woo, especially when he plays the role of a lawyer solving a case. This drama warms the hearts of viewers with stories depicting family, friendship, and romance.
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Tegar (2022)
An Indonesian film that tells the story of a child with disabilities named Tegar who lives only with his mother and grandfather. The film depicts Tegar's story of wanting to go to school but not being allowed to by his mother. Tegar's limitations cause him to be treated differently by those around him. Lacking affection, Tegar decides to leave home and go to school to pursue his dreams with the help of a teacher.
This film portrays people with disabilities in a positive light and proves that they have the same abilities as everyone else. The character Tegar is also played by a child with a disability, and 10 percent of the film's crew are people with disabilities. This film is suitable for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the rights of people with disabilities in terms of access to education and other social spaces.
Through the four shows above, we as viewers can gain a new perspective on life with disabilities. These shows play an important role in supporting inclusion in society. Let's continue to broaden our horizons, celebrate diversity, and respect every human being. Through these television shows, we can work together to build an inclusive world and social environment and fight for the rights of every individual to be recognized and respected.
Author: Mega Putri Mahadewi
Editor: Rozi
