Disability-Focused TV Shows Nominated For Emmys
The team from "Born This Way" at the 2017 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (John Salangsang/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Two television shows starring individuals with developmental disabilities are each up for multiple Emmy Awards.
The Netflix series “Special” is nominated for four Emmys and A&E Network’s documentary series “Born This Way” is in the running for three awards.
In the semi-autobiographical “Special,” Ryan O’Connell plays a man who is gay and has cerebral palsy, but pretends to be an accident victim. O’Connell snagged a nomination as did two actresses on the series. The show is also up for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama.
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Meanwhile, “Born This Way” is a reality series focusing on the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome who are pursuing employment, relationships and independence. The show, which aired its fourth season last year, is up for Emmys for casting, picture editing and unstructured reality program.
“Born This Way” already has three Emmys, including a 2016 win for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program.
The Emmy Award winners will be announced in September.
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