In this year’s Disability ReFramed panel discussion, Celebrating Our Childhood on TV, we spotlight the recently launched American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB) Special Collection: Representing Children with Disabilities on Public Television, which illustrates how public media has consistently led the way in improving accessibility, representation, and inclusive storytelling. Our panelists, disability rights activist and author Emily Ladau and violinist Adrian Anantawan, share how their lives were impacted by seeing themselves represented onscreen during their formative years. The conversation is moderated by Donna Danielewski, the executive director of accessibility at GBH.
Public media has always told the stories that speak to all viewers in the most accessible way. The GBH show “ZOOM” was the first open-captioned children’s television show and — funded by the Department of Education — featured disabled “ZOOMguests” to support the transition of disabled students into mainstream schools. Other shows like “Feeling Free” created a place just for disabled children, while still others — including “Sesame Street,” “Mister Rogers Neighborhood,” and “Arthur” — featured disabled actors, guests, or characters. For an entire generation, these were memorable television firsts.
View our shared and living Resource Document from the event. Please feel free to reach out via email to Accessibility@WGBH.org with any edits or comments.
Visit the AAPB donation page to give today, and type “Disability ReFramed ” in the dedication box when you submit your gift. Organizations interested in partnering with the AAPB to enhance this collection should reach out directly at aapb_notifications@wgbh.org.
Plus, view behind-the-scenes items from the Special Collection . . .
Before the discussion, join us in the GBH Atrium for a light reception and view select items from the new special collection, highlighting public media’s long‑standing work to amplify the experiences of children with disabilities — many in shows produced right here at GBH! A joint project of the AAPB, MLA, NCAM, and the Media Access Group, this collection reflects a shared commitment to accessibility across GBH.
Do you have a memory or impact story to share for possible inclusion in our event? We want to hear from you!
DM us to share your story or fill out this brief form.
Questions? Comments? Contact Donna Danielewski at donna_danielewski@wgbh.org.
Disability ReFramed is a GBH annual conversation that imagines what the future could be.
This event is presented with support from our sponsors: Learn Behavioral BCI Centers, PNC Bank, and Vinfen.
Accessibility: This event was captioned using CART, and featured American Sign Language interpreters (ASL). Both available for live and virtual audiences.
