Reaction to news story from England

In case you haven't watched the news clip, I've provided it below:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391313/

This is a story from England that made the news because parents had a negative reaction to the a new BBC host of a children's program called CBeebies. The new host, Cerrie Burnell, has a physical disability and parents claim it is scaring their children.

I tend to think that news programs/stories/groups/etc always have inherent bias. I am glad to see that this group seems to oppose the ideas of the protesting parents. I am glad to see they interview a parent and son (in the video clip). The child, Isaac, doesn't think having only one hand would make a difference. I think his attitude is a reflection of his dad's attitude.

Earlier in the clip, the negative comments from parents flash across the screen; some are read by a narrator. One parent asks, "How do you explain to a three year old why the host has half an arm?" My immediate reaction to that questions is to tell them the truth! Children ask millions of questions! Especially about unfamiliar or new things. If they ask why someone has one arm or uses a wheelchair it is an opportunity to explain that everyone is different.

This news story reminds me of a recent question at the adapted recreation program I help with. Some of the kids have physical disabilities and instead of using the equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs during the program, volunteers support each child as they walk, jump, and play. One young girl, probably 10 years old, asked one of the younger girls, who has help to walk: "Why can't you walk?" I was helping the younger girl at the time and she didn't answer. After the older girl asked a few more times the younger girl looked at me and the older girl asked me "Why can't she walk?" It's hard to admit but I kind of froze! I know why the young girl can't walk, but how could I put it in terms her peer would understand and take advantage of the opportunity to explain that everyone is unique. So I explained that the younger girl needs help to move her legs and keep her balance. My answer either wasn't good enough for the older girl or she didn't believe me; I'm not sure but she asked the younger girl again, "Why can't you walk?"

I did my best to facilitate a conversation between the two girls, saying to the younger one "Why don't you tell her what you use to move around by yourself?" She responded "A walker or a wheelchair." The older girl said "Is it hard?" to which she responded "No" (with a tone than indicated she was thinking "why would it be?") The older girl was now satisfied and she ran off to play elsewhere. I felt like I handled the situation fairly well; certainly, I could have done a better job, but I'd like to think both parties benefited. The older girl learned the answer to her question and the younger girl (maybe) had a chance at self-advocacy.

In any case, I am interested to hear how others would have responded to the above situation and/or the news story from England. Please post comments here or email the listserve at AUCDTrainees@AUCD.ORG.