Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
Television and the media in general have an inglorious history of portraying people who live with disability as pitiable, sinister even; a curiosity or a burden, unable to participate in daily life.
Thankfully, such stereotypes are fading in the face of scripts that portray a more modern sensibility. One such show is Atypical, a coming-of-age sitcom that follows Sam – a sweet and smart 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum – as he searches for love and independence.
In this Netflix global original, which is available from Friday, the English-born Canadian actor Keir Gilchrist spins viewers in a fresh direction as he learns all about dating and other rituals of adulthood, on a funny but emotional journey of self-discovery.
Meanwhile, the rest of his family grapple with waves of change in their own lives.
While Gilchrist doesn't share Sam's autism, his character laments: "I'm a weirdo. That's what everyone says. Sometimes I don't know what people mean when they say things.
"Girls don't really notice me at all, and I'm not great at picking up signals. Sometimes I wish I was normal."
At its core, the series embraces the huge question teens face – what does normal really mean?
"The theme of Atypical is that no one's normal, But Sam's probably the most normal one of all of them," says show creator Robia Rashid. "One of the cool things about Atypical is that this is a guy who's just like all of us."
Jennifer Jason Leigh, who plays his fretful mother Elsa, sums up her TV son's dilemma: "Sam's coming into his independence... He wants a girlfriend.... Keir is really perfect. He never gets cute with it.… You feel like he's very much in Sam's shoes."
Over eight episodes, Sam discovers the awful truth – that nobody is normal, with the help of his loving family, which also includes his father Doug, played by Michael Rapaport, and his protective younger sister, Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) who goes so far as to write his online dating profile.
"Sam's honesty is the most relatable part of him," says Gilchrist, 24.
"Most people will relate to the way he puts into the words the difficulties [of] dating. The way he describes some situations is basically how everyone feels, but most people don't actually put it into words."
To get the medical science and the family story right, Rashid says she consulted with a California State University professor who works with the Center for Autism Research and Treatment in Los Angeles.
"Atypical goes deep into the magical world of the mind of someone with autism," says Lundy-Paine. "So much of the show is told from inside Sam's head. So it's this treasure trove of experiences."
This is in marked contrast to the early decades of television, where all too often TV producers and writers took the lazy shortcuts of relying upon disability as a character trait, plot device or for atmosphere – using the disabled as the "hook" into the story – and viewing them through their impairment.
One of the most reliable indicators of the representation of characters with disabilities on television today is the Where We Are On TV report, prepared annually by GLAAD, a non-governmental media-monitoring organisation.
In its 2016-2017 edition, it notes that while 12.6 per cent of United States non-institutionalised citizens report living with an apparent disability, "primetime programming continues to fall incredibly short in reflecting the reality of this demographic".
"This year, the percentage and number of series regulars with disabilities has risen to 1.7 per cent [15 characters] from last year's 0.9 per cent [eight characters]," the report states.
"This is the highest percentage of inclusion since GLAAD began gathering disability statistics in the 2010-11 season."
"As noteworthy as these numbers are, in comparison with previous tracked seasons, they lack far
behind the actual representation of people with disabilities found in our communities nationwide," says Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of RespectAbility, a US non-profit organisation dedicated to empowerment and self-advocacy of individuals with disabilities.
"The only way to create authenticity within entertainment television is if characters with obvious and hidden disabilities are included within every script and storyline, just as they are found within the diversity of our everyday lived experience," she says.
"All too often, these characters are featured when there is a focus on disability within the script; when in reality, characters with disabilities should be included in the vast majority of roles that are non-descript and have nothing to do with a particular disability. Only then, will these percentages improve."
In what can only be viewed as rare but genuine progress, more actors who actually live with disability are being allowed to portray characters like themselves — where their disability is merely a part of who they are, not their sum total, as in real life.
________________
Read more:
Every child deserves proper educational support
Fidget spinners: how the latest toy craze also benefits children with special needs
Music strikes the right note with children with autism
Parents must take charge and set a healthy example for their children
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Spearheading this breakthrough almost a decade ago was R J Mitte, the disabled advocate and charismatic star of Breaking Bad (2008-2013), who was born with cerebral palsy, just like his character Walter White Jr.
Along with Atypical, another series that broke the one-dimensional mould is Speechless – the hit family sitcom which debuted last year with Minnie Driver as the fiercely protective mother of J J, her non-verbal son with cerebral palsy – portrayed in a breakout performance by Micah Fowler, who lives with the disorder off-camera as well.
"I'm sick of seeing disabled people, people with special needs – whatever the verbiage is you choose to use – depicted as people who can't wait to die and want to get away from it," says Driver.
"It's awful. These are robust, amazing lives that need to be celebrated. They need to have a laugh, God knows."
Seth Gordon, director and producer of Atypical, says: "There's something beautiful about making a show that's about a character with special needs, but isn't a show about the special needs – it's just a kid in the family."
Atypical is available for streaming on Netflix from Friday
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
More coverage from the Future Forum
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
More on animal trafficking
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
South Africa World Cup squad
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (w), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH DETAILS
Juventus 2 (Bonucci 36, Ronaldo 90 6)
Genoa 1 (Kouame 40)
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee