Among the five productions being honored with the Ruderman Family Foundation’s Seal of Authentic Representation are the crime drama “Code of Silence” and the Netflix medical drama “Pulse.” This accolade is given to TV shows that accurately depict characters with disabilities.
“With the Academy Awards approaching, it is vital to recognize the creators and producers who provide opportunities for actors with disabilities, ensuring their stories are represented by those who truly understand them,” stated Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “We commend their dedication and hope their efforts set a precedent for authentic representation across the entertainment industry.”
“Code of Silence,” available on BBC Studios’ BritBox, along with “Pulse,” “Good Bad Things,” “We Might Regret This,” and “A Different Man,” are the productions being acknowledged. To qualify for the Ruderman seal, productions must include actors with disabilities in speaking roles with at least five lines and be nearing general release.
In “Code of Silence,” deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis portrays Alison Woods, a character who shares her disability. Meanwhile, Jessy Yates, an actress with cerebral palsy, plays Harper Simms, a wheelchair user, in “Pulse.”
“Casting actors with disabilities for roles that reflect their real-life experiences is the goal,” said Vickie Thomas, casting director for “Pulse.” “The challenge often lies in the limited pool of candidates. We were fortunate to find Jessy Yates, not only a talented disabled actress but a great fit for Harper Simms in ‘Pulse.’ Her involvement could encourage more disabled individuals to pursue acting.”
Kyla Harris, an actress with tetraplegia, takes on the role of Freya in Apple TV’s “We Might Regret This.” “Her authentic casting was crucial for the show’s integrity. Kyla infused the character with her lived experience, humor, and creativity,” said Lee Getty, co-creator and co-writer of the series. “Recognition of this method is essential as it underscores that representation requires agency, collaboration, and purpose.”
Danny Kurtzman, who has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, features in Music Box Films’ “Good Bad Things.” Similarly, Adam Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis, plays Oswald in HBO Max’s “A Different Man.”
“The chance to share my genuine disabled story in our film has significantly impacted many lives,” expressed Kurtzman, the writer, producer, and lead actor of “Good Bad Things.”
“Adam Pearson is deserving of recognition, not just as an outstanding disabled actor but as one of the finest actors working today,” said Maribeth Fox, casting director for “A Different Man.” “His dedication, character creation, and passion for acting are commendable.”
The Ruderman Family Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that promote the advancement and inclusion of people with disabilities through various programs, partnerships, and philanthropic efforts.
