We know that the early years are vital for a child’s development. So, we put together a list of children’s shows which showcase hearing loss in a positive way. If you know of any other TV shows or movies to add to the list, let us know!
1. The Wiggles
If you’re the parent of a toddler, there’s no going past this iconic children’s band, especially the highly adored Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins. But Emma’s not just a talented dancer, singer and choreographer – she’s also well-versed in Auslan sign language.
Last December, Emma proudly shared that The Wiggles was incorporating sign language into their musical acts to make it more accessible to everybody. While Emma doesn’t have hearing loss herself, she learned Auslan growing up as two of her close friends are deaf.
Watch Emma dance and sign along to Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’:
2. Sally and Possum
In an Australian first, this new educational series is specifically designed for young children who use Auslan as their first language. Sally and Possum aims to bridge the early literacy and numeracy gap for children aged four to eight years old who are deaf or have a hearing loss.
Both Sally Strobridge and Melvin Ratcliffe (who play best friends Sally and Possum) are highly esteemed in the deaf community and experienced in the early childhood education setting.
You can find the latest Sally and Possum episodes here: http://www.abc.net.au/abcforkids/shows/s4468356.htm
(Sally and Possum – Season One (Trailer) from Khemistry BNE on Vimeo.)
3. Gabriella from The Little Mermaid
It’s a blast from the past with this Disney classic! Gabriella is a young mermaid, who becomes a close friend of Ariel in Disney’s 1992 – 1993 television series, The Little Mermaid. Like Ariel, she’s curious and inquisitive with an adventurous spirit. She communicates in sign language and her friend Ollie the Octopus serves as her interpreter.
Check out this video which features a heartwarming duet by Ariel and Gabriella.
4. Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
This one’s a goodie for slightly older kids. On the surface, Marissa a retired secret agent, has it all…married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, with a new baby and trying to mother her two step kids, Rebecca and Cecil – who wears bright blue hearing aids – is her toughest challenge yet.
But Marissa’s world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper threatens to take over the planet and she’s called back into action. With a little help from her stepkids, a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, and some mind-blowing gadgets, they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they’re at it.
See if you can spot Cecil’s hearing aid in this trailer!