Cerrie Burnell was hired as the host for the BBC's Do and Discover programme, despite having only half of her right arm. Many parents complained that her disability would scare their children or cause awkward questions. However, others defended Burnell and criticized the discriminatory attitudes of those parents. While the BBC denied only hiring Burnell for her disability, their controller supported her, saying children will love her. Burnell believes her role can help start important conversations about disability. The BBC responded well to negative comments, though the complaints highlight how disability is still not fully accepted.

1. CBeebies

2. CBeebies A major issue with disability was raised towards the end of January, when the BBC employed Cerrie Burnell as the host for their Do and Discover programme. Many parents were complaining that her presence on the show was scaring her children due to the fact she has only half of her right arm. And many also refused to allow their children to watch it claiming they would cause awkward questions to be asked. Many people have posted on the discussion board there disgust at parents who are discriminating towards her and causing their children to think this is normal and pass on this bad attitude towards them. The BBC has been accused of only hiring Cerrie because of her disability but they deny this accusation; Michael Carrington, BBC controller of CBeebies, said the company is standing by Burnell. "Cerrie is warm and natural and we think that, in time, all moms and dads and children will love her as much as we do".

3. 'It can only be a good thing that parents are using me as a chance to talk disability with their children. It just goes to show how important it is to have positive, disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general," Burnell said. The BBC has responded well to the negative comments that were received although this just proves the point that disability is still not as natural as it should be. The fact that we class ourselves as a diverse and inclusive society the contrast shown by so many parents complain when it comes to involving their children.