All too often in movies and tv shows, people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, are presented as flat and one-dimensional characters. Basically reducing a person down to only their disability and the fact that they use a wheelchair. They are usually only present to act as a plot-driver to “inspire” main characters or presented as a “tragedy.” Not to mention that many present wheelchairs and other mobility aids as burdens, when it reality a wheelchair is FREEDOM and allows for participation in the community.
Unfortunately there are plenty of examples of these tropes in the media.
I won’t ruin it if you haven’t seen it, but the season 3 Cobra Kai arc is garbage and is a prime example of this problem. I know it’s a fictional work, for entertainment purposes, but it gives a very skewed, harmful and unrealistic portrayal of a spinal cord injury. It perpetuates the “victim” trope, as well as the harmful stereotype that life is only good if the disability goes away. Another example is demonstrated in the movie The Paramedic. Long story short a man becomes paralyzed then stalks his old girlfriend. In this case it is the “disability turns people evil and malicious” trope. The most harmful trope: it is better to be dead than live with a disability, is seen in films such as Million Dollar Baby and Me Before You. Unfortunately representation like this becomes subconsciously ingrained and perpetuates stigmas against people with disabilities. But even with their inaccuracies, at the very least they provoke conversation.
I will try not to give too much away if you haven’t seen them yet.. but I personally think all of these shows do a good job representing disability in an inclusive and respectful manner. They also highlight the different challenges we have to face. But in the end show that apart from the superficial differences there is a common thread of humanity that outshines. Disability doesn’t have to be scary, or something to be ignored. Wheelchair users are just presented as regular people who just happen to get around differently.
Some of the shows are more family friendly than others, but I think that it these shows are a good way to start a conversation about disability. Especially if people are not used to interacting with wheelchair users or people with disabilities in their day to day lives. It provides a healthy model and framework outside of the negative stereotypical representations, where people with disabilities can just been seen as people, wheelchair or not. Although representation in films and shows is still lacking, I think that shows like these are a great step in the right direction.
Here are some examples of wheelchair representation that don’t rely on perpetuating negative stigmas though overdone tropes. I highly recommend watching these shows to give yourself a different perspective on living with a disability and challenging your internalized view about wheelchair users.
Family Friendly
The Healing Powers of Dude (2020-)(Rated TV-G)
This is a new Netflix series that looks super cute, about a boy and his support dog “Dude.” It is important as it is a family friendly introduction to both visible and invisible disabilities through a diverse range of characters. In addition Amara, played by Sophie Jaewon Kim is a wheelchair user in real life, this is important because many roles of people in wheelchairs go to non-disabled actors, a practice which is unfair and can lead to inaccurate portrayals. Check it out on Netflix here.
Walk. Ride. Rodeo. (2019) (Rated TV-PG)
Tells the true story of competitive barrel racer Amberley Snyder who is paralyzed in an accident but refuses to let it stop her from her dreams. It is a story of tenacity, perseverance and determination. It is important because it gives a realistic look at life after a spinal cord injury and comes from the point of view of someone telling her own story, rather than it being written by someone with no direct connection. There are a few situations that get glossed over with the Hollywood treatment; namely a stage four pressure sore that would likely result in a year of bed-rest. Another part that made me laugh was her getting the hand-controls in her truck and just going for a drive like she’s a pro right off the bat. All in all, it is a good look at life after a spinal cord injury. Bonus fun fact: Amberley co-produced the film and does the stunt riding in the film with her horse Power. Check it out on Netflix here.
Avatar the Last Airbender (2005-2008) (Rated TV-Y7)
This is another great family friendly choice with good disability representation. Although there are limited episodes with Teo, the character which uses a wheelchair. Overall it has great disability representation and inclusion with a variety of characters (visual disabilities, amputees, and those with prosthetics) which normalize disabilities in a non-ableist way. This show was way ahead of its time with disability representation and inclusion. Check it out on Netflix here.
Documentaries
Crip Camp (2020) (Rated R)
If you only watch one thing off of this list watch Crip Camp. Long story short, it is the history of the disability rights movement told by the people who made it happen. It is important because it emphasizes community empowerment and shaking up the system. It also shows the abhorrent treatment of people with disabilities before the ADA was established and enacted. It shows how much has been done to protect the rights of people with disabilities, but it also shows how far we have left to go. It is an poignant look at the disability rights movement. Check it out on Netflix here.
Roll With Me (2017)(Rated TV-MA)
This documentary follows the journey of newly sober paraplegic Gabriel Cordell as he wheels across America. He is the first person to roll across the country in a standard manual wheelchair. With no prior training or athletic accolades he wheels from Santa Monica, California to his hometown of West Hempstead, New York. Over a mere 100 days he rolls 3100 miles through 13 states. Along with his nephew and a crew of misfits, he pushes through blistering heat, pouring rain, and even along the side of highways in the pitch dark. Overcoming exhaustion, injury and inner demons. It is a fantastic watch, and truly shows the determination of the human spirit and giving it all you’ve got. Check it out on Netflix here.
7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story (2021) (TV-PG)
Tells the amazing story of Chris Norton who was paralyzed at 18 during a college football game. Given only a 3% chance to ever move again, he defies the odds, putting in hours of physical therapy and rehabilitation over the years. It is an inspirational, come-back story of someone not taking no for an answer and putting in the work. It shows the value in setting goals for yourself, no matter how lofty they may seem, and celebrating the small victories along the way. Check it out on Netflix here.
Rising Phoenix (2020)(PG-13)
This documentary highlights the history of the Paralympic Games from its conception, to the struggles it has met along the way. It showcases various Paralympic athletes and their individual journeys. It also gives a behind the scenes look into the games. It shows how the games have acted as a catalyst to promote disability rights. As well as, redefining narratives regarding disability, diversity, perseverance, excellence, tenacity and determination. Check it out on Netflix here.
El Límite Infinito (2020)(TV-PG)
This documentary is short and sweet with a running time of only 47 minutes. It follows the story of Jean Maggi of Argentina as he conquers his dream of handcycling to the top of the world’s highest road. Jean uses crutches for mobility rather than a wheelchair, but it is a great look at overcoming stigma and limiting beliefs. The film does a great job at highlighting the importance and meaningfulness of adaptive equipment. Check it out on Netflix here.
Comedies
Superstore (2015-2021)(Rated TV-14)
This is a great show which focuses around workplace antics of a group of diverse co-workers. Colin Dunn plays Garret one of the main characters who is a wheelchair user. Even though Colin himself is not a wheelchair user, it is an honest and accurate portrayal (even if it took him a couple seasons to take off his anti-tipper bars). It is important that it shows a wheelchair user treated like everyone else, a person with talents, humor, who is well liked and respected. His wheelchair is never really focused on or brought up as a source of pity, it is only a small piece of who he is. There is a particular episode that stood out for me that addressed not being defined by your injury, putting it in the past and worrying about the here and now. There is also a female wheelchair user named Nikki played by Nicole Lynn Evans who appears in several episodes and is a wheelchair user in real life. Check it out on Netflix here.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)(Rated MA)
A retired writer takes up a new career path as a caregiver to a teenager with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The two embark on an impromptu road-trip and life-lessons ensue. It explores the healing power of unexpected connections and overcoming emotional hurdles. This one could be more categorized as a dark comedy, but it is enjoyable, and the cast has great chemistry. My only critique is the actor who plays Trevor is not a wheelchair user in real-life, but all in all it is an honest portrayal of someone with DMD. Check it out on Netflix here.
Action
3% (2016-2020)(Rated TV-MA)
A futuristic dystopian thriller from Brazil in which people must pass a series of tests to get into the prestigious and exclusive land known as the Offshore. The tests basically bowl down to life and death escape room scenarios. One of the main characters Fernando, played by Michel Gomes, is a wheelchair user. Although, once again, Michel is not a wheelchair user in real life, he portrays the character in an accurate and thoughtful way. The series doesn’t shy away from the tough parts of living with a disability; especially the social exclusion and the need to constantly prove yourself.. as well as the emotional toll this can take. Check it out on Netflix here.
Into the Badlands (2015-2019)(Rated TV-MA)
This is another martial arts themed, dystopian, post-apocalyptic series (seems to be a going theme with shows I enjoy). There is an ex-assassin character named Waldo (played by Stephen Lang) who uses a wheelchair and appears in several episodes. The show can be a bit gory and excessive at times, but there’s some great fight choreography. The wheelchair fight scenes are especially great (I am probably a little bit biased in my appraisal though haha). Even if the wheelchair fight scenes are a little stylized and over the top, it is nice to see the “feeble old wheelchair user” trope shattered. Check it out on Netflix here.
Dramas
Penguin Bloom (2020) (TV-14)
Another based on a true story. A mother and her family cope in the aftermath of an accident that leaves her paralyzed and a wheelchair user. Healing and inspiration are found in an unlikely place: a magpie the family nurses back to health. Naomi Watts stars as Sam Bloom the main character, and while not a wheelchair user in real-life does a good job in portraying the tumultuous ups and downs that come along with rebuilding your life after catastrophic calamity. Check it out on Netflix here.
Justine (2019)(TV-MA)
A single mother embarks on a new career journey as a caregiver to a young girl with spina bifida. An unlikely friendship blossoms and they help each other cope with each other’s pervading loneliness. It tackles themes of isolation and alienation living with a disability, but shows that when it all boils down we are all human beings with the same desires for inclusion, hope and happiness. Check it out on Netflix here.
The Intouchables (2011)(Rated R)
This tells the story of a wealthy Frenchman who becomes a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident. It explores the relationship between him and his new caregiver who was recently released from prison and is on parole. This film is based on the true story of Phillipe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou. It is a heart-warming buddy- comedy at it’s heart, and does a great job showing the importance of focusing on a person rather than a disability. Check it out on Netflix here.
The Upside (2017)(PG-13)
This is an American remake of The Intouchables starring Brian Cranston and Kevin Hart. The plot is the same, but rather than being set in France it is set in New York. As with the original it is a poignant look at life after a catastrophic injury and living life to the fullest no matter your predicament. As a personal note: I found the original to have more depth and to be more impactful, but if you don’t like reading subtitles this is a great alternative. Check it out on Netflix here.
Thriller
Run (2020)(PG-13)
A great thriller centering around a homeschooled teenaged wheelchair user and her mother. It is an accurate and raw portrayal of living with serious health ailments and the changing nature of familial relationships. I won’t give anything away plot wise, but it important to note that Kiera Allen the actress who plays the role of the main character Chloe is a wheelchair user in real life. So it makes this movie a great example of authentic representation. Check it out on Netflix here.
In Conclusion
Overall there seems to be an overarching trend to cast well-known actors as wheelchair users and other disabled roles to boost the publicity and create exposure. This is exasperated by the fact that actors have a 50% win rate for winning an Oscar for their “brave and Inspiring” portrayal of a disabled person (which is double the statistical average if it was a random chance). Lots of times directors and producers justify it by saying so and so is the “best for the role” or they need to do “pre-accident” scenes where they can still walk, but it obviously saves them a few bucks when they don’t have to design a truly wheelchair accessible film set.
Things are getting better, and there seem to be more and more truly representative roles out there. But they are still stacked in favour on the side of money, awards, and a “portrayal of disability” being easier to swallow than the real thing. I know it seems needlessly nitpicky to some and some would argue that I “should be thankful to see wheelchair users represented at all.” Maybe it’s just an overblown opinion of mine but when everyone except actual disabled people are benefiting off of disability… there needs to be a shift towards real and authentic perspectives being heard instead. Hopefully we will continue to see a push for more real wheelchair users in front of and behind the camera.
Overall it is great to see more diverse characters and wheelchair users represented. Although there still needs to be a push towards casting real wheelchair users to cast parts, this allows people to share their experience proudly and authentically .
I hope you enjoyed and now have a new show (or two) to watch!
