Disability Doesn't Equal Can't Do It

For those of you who don't know, I decided to write a children's book series on deafness. This topic is important to me for a variety of reasons, but one of them is the fact that I see way too many kids today continue to bully other because of their differences. We as adults shouldn't carry the mentality of "Oh, they are just kids." No! They need to be taught that people who are different from them (in this case with a disability) are simply different. They shouldn't be treated badly because of that.

There'a a new TV show on ABC called The Good Doctor that has already moved me to tears. The president of this particular hospital is someone I wish I had in my corner growing up. The main character, Shaun, has autism and is a surgical resident. How awesome is that? Though, he didn't get to where he is via an easy life - he had to overcome a ton of hurdles that I can't imagine. I'm so happy for Shaun (even being a fictional character) but I'm even happier that the writers/creators of this show thought this through and made this show possible. We need more positivism surrounding those with disabilities. Too many times those with disabilities are cast in roles that are made to look like they are stupid or incompetent.

Knowing this show exists and that people are responding well to it, drives me harder to work on my series. If I can do anything to give kids the tools and knowledge about disabilities through a book, I'm going to. I can't wait to see what happens in the show as well as how my project will turn out! Stay tuned!

You can watch the show on abc.go.com.