'Push Girls,' Sundance Reality Show, Aims To Open Up Discussion About Disabilities

For the four paralyzed women starring in a new reality series, the show is about pushing right through stereotypes, disappointments and career obstacles.

Set to debut in April, "Push Girls" will give viewers an unscripted look into the lives of four gorgeous ladies who became disabled after enduring tragic car accidents or debilitating diseases, the Sundance Channel announced. Producers hope that by bringing the series into mainstream television, they'll demonstrate how strong people with disabilities are -- and that it's OK to look and talk about their conditions.

"The indomitable spirit of this series will give viewers permission to stare at a world that they may previously have been too polite -- or too frightened -- to explore," Sarah Barnett, Sundance Channel's General Manager, said in a release.

When it comes to fear, that's something these ladies refuse to cart around in their wheelchairs.

"Most people would want to give up," Tiphany Adams, 28, the sole survivor of a car crash that claimed the lives of three friends when she was in high school, told the New York Post. "But all four of us girls chose to triumph over the tragedy."

These girls -- one was once a swim star, another a hip hop dancer -- each left one dream from their youth behind, but is driven to pursue new dreams involving motherhood, relationships, athletics and stardom.

"Push Girls’" producer, Gay Rosenthal, has taken a cue from her past series about empowering those living with disabilities. Rosenthal worked on "Little People, Big World," a show about a couple, each 4-feet tall, raising a family in Oregon and "Ruby," the story of a morbidly obese woman trying to lose hundreds of pounds.

"Watching the Push Girls tackling life with spirit and confidence is not only inspiring but compelling," Rosenthal told C21 Media. "The show challenges perceptions about life in a wheelchair, giving the audience an honest, no-nonsense look into their world."

Comments

[Lori Melanie Reece]

12:25 AM on 05/10/2012

First of all, shame on all of you who are knocking these ladies and this show! You're being very narrow-minded. I'm in a wheelchair myself. I can't wait to watch this show! It's about time society learned that you can be fabulous, even in a wheelchair.

[StemCellsandAtomBombs]

11:17 PM on 01/30/2012

A chance for four articulate women to talk about a cure for paralysis, and if they do, it will be groundbreaking. If they just talk about perseverance and overcoming spinal cord injury then a big chance will be lost. If you're interested in learning about a cure for paralysis and what it takes for us to get there, please have a look at www.StemCellsandAtomBombs.blogspot.com

[dlvme2]

04:14 PM on 01/28/2012

It is terrific that they are showing attractive women that are sexy and participating in sports and other activities. Disabilities affect many and I would think for young women or young men it shows that they can get out there and enjoy life.

[dlvme2]

04:12 PM on 01/28/2012

Any show that shows people with disabilties living productively, happily and in society is a good thing. It gives others hope. Not everyone can be covered and there are those that have it better and some have it much worse. It still gives the public "some" insight into what people with disabilities are faced with which is a good thing.

[Karma2U]

03:11 PM on 01/19/2012

A bevy of beauties on wheels. You rock!

[WindMeUp2011]

03:11 PM on 01/19/2012

Why aren't disabled people allowed to look attractive and dress stylishly ? Think the point of this may well be a positive one, by showing that while you maybe disabled you can still be sexy, beautiful, have a productive life, aside make a contribution to society and make the best of the situation if you are able to. Granted not every disabled person is this mobile - but, this can help serve as an inspiration to many.

[Mulebone]

04:09 AM on 01/19/2012

Can someone tell me why they're wearing high-heels?

[Kim and Duke]

02:57 PM on 01/19/2012

For the same reason other women wear them... We actually have an advantage because we don't have to walk around in heels, so we generally wear any type of footwear we want in any situation.

[sandeeNJ]

04:10 PM on 01/19/2012

Same reason my disabled son wears shoes because everyone else does and to protect him from the elements outside.

[MikeDu]

04:00 AM on 01/19/2012

I have a disabled relative, the product of a horiffic snowboarding accident. She's not joining any wheelchair dance companies or climbing any mountains. In order for the producers of this show to have an 'inspiring' series the must've carefully screened the applicants. There's nothing particularly 'inspiring' about needing an orderly to roll the patient over so she doesn't develop bed sores.

[lovepumpkin]

05:00 PM on 01/19/2012

that's your opinion

[quovadiszero]

01:00 PM on 01/21/2012

This show does not show the reality and hardship born by those whose disabilities are not TV worthy.

[pepper1311]

03:24 AM on 01/19/2012

All stars for a minute, even in wheelchairs, or tow trucks or pawn shops or alcoholic or drug addicts or what ever. Two greatest aspirations of the below 30 group, celebrity or sports star. Twenty channels to be one of those.

[cvbnm67]

02:10 AM on 01/19/2012

"Hot Wheels!" would be a better name.

[DHC]

01:30 AM on 01/19/2012

Finally, a reality show that might teach a couch potato something. At least the gorgeous women will be moving around, breathing fresh air, while the couch potato just, well sits, or lies down. And watches.

Go Girls!

[NCOak]

01:17 AM on 01/19/2012

mmm sexy wheelchair ladies

[Roommate]

01:23 AM on 01/19/2012

sad

[Maverickpower]

02:25 AM on 01/19/2012

Er , o.k. ????????????????

[boomcat44]

01:13 AM on 01/19/2012

When they finally make a reality show about people who refuse to watch reality shows........I probably won't watch that either.

[KJLSanDiego]

12:34 AM on 01/19/2012

We are not vases. We do not break. Everyone's body is different; we all have our own reality; we all have limitations. Where some see a disability, I see a different world, that is navigated in another way. As long as we live in an open and educated and mold-able society, all kinds of people can make life work for them in their own way.

[TheIndependentView]

12:05 AM on 01/19/2012

Should have named the show Hot Wheels.