HandicapABLE

When most people think or handicapped, they think of individuals as being incapable. The opposite seems to be the case on most television and movies. The portayal of the handicapped in television mainly shows then being able to complete tasks and be just as capable if not more capable than those that are not handicapped.
Take in consideration the show Family Guy. Joe Swanson is a police officer who happens to be in a wheelchair. The cool thing about Joe is, he is not confind to the chair. He is actually one of the most capable members of "the crew". The show Joe doing most of the difficult tasks as if they are effortless.
Another show that has brought the handicap into the limelight is Glee. They have a key character that is in a wheelchair. He is used in all of the skits and is not forced out of choreographed routines. He is essentially a vital part.
On an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry goes on a blind date with a woman in a wheelchair. Larry is hesitant with her at first giving her circumstances, but as dates go on, he sees how capable she really is.
A movie that touches on the handicap would be Scary Movie. Though they are essentially using it as a joke, the wheelchaired character verbally says, I can do it on my own." Sure enough whatever he puts his mind to he does it.
I believe media does this to allow viewers and society to try to put the stereotype to rest. Just because you are held within a chair does not mean you can't stand up and be capable.