It's a rare thing to see a physically disabled actor on TV. Yet that's the premise of Speechless - Micah Fowler, an actor with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair, played JJ DiMeo, a teenager with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair.
The show managed a perfect blend - many of its storylines were around the various issues of the DiMeo family, as well as regular teen problems of JJ and his siblings, such as dating and schoolwork. But there were also a number of episodes that highlighted the struggles of someone like JJ, from public places that are not accessible to people making assumptions. Never did the show depict JJ in a pitying light, just provided a realistic look at disabled life.
JJ was someone who accepted that he had some differences from most other people, but was mostly just fine with that. He lived his life to the fullest, and now, at the end of the third season, was about to navigate the unknown world of college.
ABC, please reconsider your decision! Not only are Fowler and his fellow castmates talented actors, but the story you are telling is so important. Society needs to see more disabled people who are content and living their best lives.
