Shane Dawson, dubbed “King of YouTube,” fell from his followers’ grace when an old video surfaced showing Shane Dawson mocking people with disabilities. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was ripped apart by the public when he mocked journalist Serge Kovaleski who lives with arthrogryposis, a condition that causes multiple curved joints in areas of the body at birth. Needless to say, these hurtful comments are not okay on any level, and kudos to those who handle them with grace and humor.
Magnificent Consequence
One marvelous effect of the backfire against well-known people is the appearance of comedians with disabilities who bring the house down with their brand of humor. Lee Ridley, the winner of the 12th series of Britain’s Got Talent, lives with a neurological type of cerebral palsy which led to Lee losing his voice. His disability didn’t stop him from creating a comedy career, ironic as it may seem. He uses his iPad to deliver laughs and is a successful full-time stand-up comedian. He has been on tour and has written a book, with future plans for more tours.
Flourishing Careers In Comedy
The list of very successful comics with disabilities goes on. Josh Blue, Zach Anner, and Chris Fonseca live with different types of cerebral palsy. Though it can be challenging, they didn’t let cerebral palsy be a hindrance to their career. In fact, the disability has been the foundation of their comedy routines which are often self-deprecating. These comedians bring a positive light to disabilities and prove that despite these, anything is possible.
Not Just Comics
Comedy is not the only area where people with disabilities have triumphed in their chosen careers. Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham is famous for his wheelchair stunts. RJ Mitte is an actor and model. Abbey Nicole Curran was Miss Iowa in the 2008 Miss USA. Nicolas Hamilton is a race car driver. Dr. Janice E. Brunstorm-Hernandez is a Pediatric Neurologist.
Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to living a full life. Take a cue from these comedians and celebrities. Another inspiring action to be emulated is that most of them work to raise public awareness of disabilities. As more people with disabilities are represented across all forms of media, they are letting people know that disability is not an obstacle to success and that mocking and bullying people with disabilities is not okay.
