What if all your thoughts, feelings, and emotions were locked inside your head? If the only communication tool you had was to spell out your words letter by letter communication would be slow and daunting. So much meaning would get lost in translation without being able to use your own inflections or placing emphasis on important points. There are many new shows coming this Fall but the one that excites me the most is a new comedy on ABC called Speechless.

We get to meet the Dimeo family led by the fearless, determined Maya played by Minnie Driver. She has relocated her family several times to find the perfect situation for her son JJ. In the past JJ has only been able to attend Special Education Schools. In this new school JJ will be given a full time aid that will read off his language board and make it possible for him to attend regular classes. Things get amusing as JJ learns his aid is a woman. Things then turn awkward as JJ meets his new classmates and they overcompensate for his disability not sure how to handle this unfamiliar situation.

This show has a lot of heart. Maya fights constantly for her son to have equal opportunity which leads to some hilarious moments. The subjects tackled in this show are not often talked about in popular culture. They are presented in a real way that I think could help inspire conversation around the dinner table. Maybe even make a situation less intimidating or awkward if you or your children face it in real life.

I have Cerebral Palsy just like the character of JJ. I was thrilled to see the trailer for this show. I think everyone wants to be able to turn on their tv and see someone like themselves and there is not an abundance of disabled characters on tv. Many that are portrayed are played by actors that do not share the character’s condition. JJ is played by Micah Fowler and he does have Cerebral Palsy. This lends an authenticity to the role that even the best actor could not simply act out. Micah is doing awesome conveying so much in the story without saying a single word.

So drop in and visit the new family in town joining Modern Family and The Goldbergs on Wednesday nights. Find out why this family is not different from yours. JJ is sixteen and interested in girls. Maya will do absolutely anything because she wants the best for her children. Ray and Dylan may feel overshadowed at times but they still love their brother. Speechless airs on ABC September 21st at 8:30 pm est. Don’t want to wait! The first episode is available on Hulu and on the ABC website. Please join me in supporting this show with so few like it on tv today. Remember the one thing we all have in common is that we are all different and that is what makes the world great.