Five Disabled Characters that Influenced me Growing up

Sarah Jacobs

We all know how thrilling it is to see yourself on screen. For disabled people this is particuarly meaningful due to the general lack of visability in modern pop culture for people who aren't able-bodied.

These characters aren't perfect - often they are played by able bodied actors and play into harmful sterotypes. However that doesn't reduce the impact they had on young disabled children seeing themselves as heroes for the first time.

1. Geordi La Forge

Geordi La Forge was a main character on the TV series Star Trek - The Next Generation. Geordi was born blind and used a visor to be able to see. He was portrayed by LeVar Burton, who was not blind. Geordi was introduced to honour George La Forge, a quadriplegic fan of the original Star Trek series, who passed away before the show began.

2. Barbara Gordon AKA Batgirl

Barbara Gordon was introduced to the DC Universe in 1967 as a female counterpart for Batman. In the graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke the Joker shoots Barbara in the spine, paralysing her. Barbara later returns as a hacker and intellegence gatherer known as Oracle.

3. Joey Lucas

Joey Lucas was a pollster on the TV show West Wing. She is a Deaf woman who uses American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language. Joey is a strong opinionated woman who is respected for the work she does. She is portrayed by Marlee Matlin, a Deaf woman who became famous for being the youngest person to win an Oscar.

4. Remy Hadley AKA Thirteen

Thirteen was introduced in season four of House, a medical drama whose main character is also disabled. Thirteen is a doctor who joins the diagnostic team at the hospital. During the show she reveals that she has a diagnosis of Huntington's Disease which runs in her family. Thirteen is played by Olivia Wilde, who does not have any disabilities.

5. Richard III

Richard III is the titular character in William Shakespeare's play Richard III . The character is based of urban legend surrounding the real King Richard - namely his hunch and withered arm. In the play Richard is the villain, plotting to murder of his young nephews. The play has been performed many times since it was written, with actors using prosthetics to create the illusion of disability. However in recent years more actors with disabilities are being cast to play disabled roles.