Scope Note:

Fictional work depicting an individual suffering from a physical or psychological handicap, or coping with a disease or similar affliction. The personal and social consequences of the disability are examined, both as it impacts the victim as well as those around them. The plot relates how they recover or overcome the handicap, or attempt but fail to do so, facing death with equanimity. Note: Themes such as alcoholism and drug addiction are classified with Social problem. Often Disability stories are based on the actual life of an individual, but only necessary to include the term Biographical if the person also won notice in another field, such as Sports or Show business figures. Feature examples: BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY (with Sports); BRIGHT VICTORY; CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (with Romance); COMING HOME (with War); JOHNNY BELINDA; THE MEN (with War); THE MIRACLE WORKER (with Biographical); MY LEFT FOOT; THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN; PHILADELPHIA (with Social problem); PRIDE OF THE MARINES (with War); WATERDANCE. TV examples: BRIAN'S SONG (with Sports; Biographical); THE FOUR DIAMONDS (with Fantasy); GO TOWARD THE LIGHT; NOBODY'S CHILD; THE PATRICIA NEAL STORY (with Biographical); THE RYAN WHITE STORY; WITHOUT WARNING: THE JAMES BRADY STORY (with Biographical).

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