Disabled kids TV presenters.

Abby - posted on 07/18/2009

completely agree with her being on there. kids are gonna ask questions, but why shldnt parents answer honestly!

they're gonna ask when they see someone in a wheelchair, it's gonna be better if ur child understands about disabilities before they go pointing and staring!



on balymorey(spelling) they have the lady in the wheelchair! i see no problem at all with it!

Jessica - posted on 07/18/2009

I think saying a child will have nightmares from watching someone with a disability is ridiculous. When my son was 3 he watched an episode of full house where Michelles feet got really big in a dream and it freaked him out, he had to sleep with shoes on so his feet wouldn't grow. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's not what children see it's how they percieve it and if the parents are there to explain why there are differences between people it shouldn't matter. By the way he only slept with shoes on for one night, we explained to him about tv and pretend and after that he was fine.

Joy - posted on 07/18/2009

I think you got it in your original post Sarah....the PARENTS don't want to have those difficult conversations about disabilities. I think it's crap. I've never seen the channel you're talking about, or the woman missing part of her arm...but good for her for not letting it stop her! Why can't parents use THAT aspect of it to teach their children a lesson about continuing on with life through a disability? Not letting it stop a person....etc. And good for BBC for not backing down. Part of that may be that they are avoiding a lawsuit...but who cares? She's still on the air and that's all that counts lol Obviously, it wouldn't bother me one bit if any of the shows Jacob watches had presenters or charachters with disabilities. One day I'm gonna have to answer the "Mommy why is that man in a wheelchair?" question or "Mommy what happened to her leg?".....so I see no difference in him being exposed to it on tv, or in person. Either way, it's a lesson in tolerance and perserverance.

Alison - posted on 07/18/2009

This can be a good teaching tool for children. My son is 4 and he likes Kerrie. Perhaps the parents of those children who have nightmares should keep them indoors to avoid a chance meeting with a disabled person. I think it's crazy that people were sad enough to complain to the TV channel. What can they do? Fire her for scaring kids? I hope not.

Sapphire - posted on 07/18/2009

I think it's a wonderful way to open a convsersation about differecnes with people. I wish it was done more on U.S. television.

Lindsay - posted on 07/18/2009

I think it's great to show kids people of all different sorts as they are so accepting of people and if they are exposed to it at an early age, they won't focus on the disabilities or the differences as they grow older. I think it helps them become more well rounded individuals.

Cathelijn - posted on 07/18/2009

I think it is all part of life, at least when it is on tv you can explain it to your child in the comfort of your living room. My mum told me that when my sister was young she saw someone in a wheelchair in the supermarket, she was about 3 or 4 and went to the man and said why are you in a chair you can't walk?? He was a nice man and explained it to her and actually showed her is arteficial ( spelling) leg.. She was so amazed and kept asking him questions, she wasn't scared at all...

Sara - posted on 07/18/2009

I think it's a good thing. There are all kinds of people in the world. You're kids are gonna realize that sooner or later. I would rather have a discussion about diabilities in my living room than in a crowded shop after my kid yells "Mommy, why does that lady only have one arm?".

Dawn - posted on 07/18/2009

I think that is great. In the US people are too hung up on looks to ever let someone get a job with a disablity. BUT on our one of our local news channel our weather woman had brain cancer and the right side of her face sags but they are talking about her coming back on soon. So that will be great. I've already had talks with my children about folks in wheel chairs and people with Downs. I just explane it like its no big deal and they are fine with it. Its the adults who have the issue and are scarred to talk about it. Makes you wonder if they can't talk about this issue, how can they talk to their kids about sex.

Sarah - posted on 07/18/2009

Lot's of the shows on Cbeebies sometimes have a person at the bottom who signs. There is also a programme called 'Something Special' that teaches different signs for things which is quite good. :)

Erin - posted on 07/18/2009

We have a deaf presenter on Play School. She speaks but also signs the stories and songs. I think it's great :)

Iris - posted on 07/18/2009

Erin, (without copy and pasting EVERYTHING you posted) I agree with it all. I just wish we had these shows over here in the States. Sometimes I really miss UK... and Europe.

Sarah - posted on 07/18/2009

That's a really good point Erin. I'd much rather answer any questions at home where the person in question can't be offended or upset by my childs questions. I think it's a GOOD oppotunity to have those discussions.
I don't think many kids would find it scary, as they are just SO accepting of things. :)

Erin - posted on 07/18/2009

It's not going to scare a child any more than if they run into someone in the street who happens to have a disability of some sort. At least when they're at home you have the chance to explain it and answer their questions.

Michelle - posted on 07/18/2009

I remember this, we watch cbeebies. I was really shocked when people started complaining about it. I am fine with it but my man doesnt like it as he thinks it could scare a child.

Erin - posted on 07/18/2009

That's just it... the kids aren't usually the ones with the hang-ups! Children are far more accepting than most adults. They don't notice a lot of the things we make judgements on. All they see is someone who makes them laugh, or catches their attention with a story, or does a silly dance.

Sarah - posted on 07/18/2009

That's how i feel Erin. I think the younger kids realise that it's nothing 'weird' the better! If we start teaching our kids at a young age to be tolerant of other WHATEVER they look like, then it will help remove some of the stigmas we have in this world!

By the way, my eldest hasn't even noticed there's any difference!! Or if she has....she hasn't mentioned it to me, so she obviously doesn't see it as a big deal!! :)

Erin - posted on 07/18/2009

I absolutely 100% support people with disabilities being represented in children's tv!!! The idea that it will lead to nightmares is ridiculous to me!! Yes it will probably generate a discussion, but it would have to happen at some point. Isn't it better that we can expose our kids to these differences within their comfort zone rather than them being shocked and disconcerted at the realities of people with disabilities out in the world?