Is There a New Trend in Children’s TV Programming?

I have been pleasantly surprised in the recent past with the use and representation of individuals with disabilities in children’s programming.  With two children under four, I see my fair share of kids’ shows.  I’ve discussed previously my adoration for the show Little Bill, but just as adults want variety in the shows they view, we’ve had to broaden our scope to a wider array of options with an occasional DVD thrown in from time to time. 

My two most recent examples of inclusion of the disabled I’ve seen include the Nick Jr. show, Yo Gabba Gabba! and a Sesame Street DVD of Elmo. 

At first glance, Yo Gabba Gabba! is a bit odd for the average viewer to take.  However, it doesn’t take long for a parent to notice the good, quality lessons being taught to children through catchy little songs.  Messages set to tune ranging from “Keep Trying…don’t give up” to “You’ve got to hold hands before you cross the street” to “Dangerous, so dangerous, you’ve got to watch for things that are dangerous” are often heard in our house or in public when we need to help teach a lesson.  But the thing that impressed me lately was when I saw one of the children cast in the show using a walker.  During each episode there are breaks where real children are used to dance and segue into various show segments.  This one little girl, Lauren, says she likes to dance and proudly does so while using the walker as a crutch.  Her disfigured legs are set in leg braces, but she participates in the activities the best way she can.

Then there’s the DVD Elmo’s Potty Time.  Sesame Street shows for decades have had the ability to capture the attention of young children through colors, pictures and songs.  This video is no different and features plenty of songs to get hung up in a parent’s head at any given time…trust me!  The thing that catches my attention most in this video is during the song “Trying and Trying Again” it shows many scenes of children and animals trying to do something that they eventually are able to do.  From a kitten climbing stairs to a little boy pouring a glass of milk, it helps teach children that they won’t get any new activity the first time they try it.  During the sequence, one little girl with Down’s syndrome is shown blowing bubbles.  She finally gets the hang of it and exudes a huge smile for her accomplishment.

With these two examples (Little Bill makes three, and I’m sure there are plenty of others), I see a trend in children’s programming that I like, especially for my children.  They don’t necessarily know that the people they are watching are that much different than they are, and showing those with disabilities in natural sequences just like everyone else is going to help teach my children, along with plenty of guidance from their parents, that people with disabilities are special, unique and wonderful people… just like my kids are.