I adore Jane Lynch from the Christopher Guest movies and 40 Year Old Virgin. I’d watch her read the phone book. But to have a combination of her and actors with Down Syndrome (in positive roles) would be wonderful to see.

It is interesting that we are so concerned about casting in a show that includes a character who uses a wheelchair, when more than 95% of television shows promote the fantastic misconception that people with disabilities do not exist at all.

I’m just saying…

I’d be remiss however not to point out that it was great to see TWO actresses with Down Syndrome playing their parts with tremendous ability and professionalism.

The inclusion message of Artie’s story line was great to see, but I really loved the surprise factor of Sue Sylvester’s story line with her sister and the new Cheerio, particularly when she called out the Glee Club coach on treating the new Cheerio differently saying she’s being just as tough on her as any other member of the Cheerios because that’s all she wants is to be treated the same.

It’s important to talk about why an actor without a disability is playing Artie. But it’s equally important to talk about what the show did well to continue progress for actors with disabilities, not to mention how they invite people without disabilities to change their attitude that people with disabilities have to be, or want to be, treated differently when in general, they do not.

Lauren Potter played a student trying out for cheerleader.

Riverside teen costars on Glee

And then there was an additional surprise with a sibling.