Many readers will know I starred in Channel four’s disability prank show, I’m Spazticus. The show has been a success but it has also caused controversy. What is however worrying is what people on twitter and even on BBC local radio ask whether it is okay to ‘laugh to disabled people’. The question is not only quite discriminatory but also ignores the context. It is clearly not okay to spontaneously laugh at any complete stranger in the street, disabled or not.

But when it comes to a professionally made adult comedy television programme on a leader British television channel, it is a very odd question to ask, and one that would not be asked on any other group. It highlights how many people are still embarrassed about disabled people and that programmes like I’m Spazticus completely challenges by showing that of course disabled people can be funny!§

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