Please join us for this year’s Disability ReFramed panel discussion, Celebrating Our Childhood on TV, during which we’ll spotlight the recently launched 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, will share how their lives were impacted by seeing themselves represented onscreen during their formative years. The conversation will be moderated by Claire Houston of the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) at GBH, whose research into disability-focused public programs led to the creation of the AAPBSpecial Collection.
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.
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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 in amplifying 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.
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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.
Disability ReFramed is a GBH annual conversation that imagines what the future could be.
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This event is presented with support from our sponsors: Learn Behavior BCI Centers, PNC Bank, and Vinfen.
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Accessibility: This event will be captioned using CART, and will have American Sign Language interpreters (ASL). Both will be available for live and virtual audiences. If you would like to request an additional accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please email [email protected] or call Audience and Member Services at 617-300-3300 (M-F, 9am-5pm) in advance of your visit. Please note that we will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.
GBH is accessible via public transportation, with travel details available on our website.
Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.
The maximum capacity of this event is 200.
By RSVPing for this event, you agree to receive timely news and updates on events, films, and special offers from GBH.
Photo credit: GBH Creative
If you have questions or can no longer attend, please contact Audience and Member Services Department. Audience and Member Services can be reached during regular business hours M-F, 9am-5pm at 617-300-3300 or via email: [email protected].
