Scholar of Change – Benjamin Isaac Program Transcript

Scholar of Change – Benjamin Isaac
Scholar of Change – Benjamin Isaac
Program Transcript
BENJAMIN ISAAC: My name is Benjamin Isaac and I’m currently a Walden
University student pursuing a doctorate degree in the field of special education.
Research shows that students with special learning needs who feel good about
themselves perform better academically than those with low self-concept. A
Google search for the definition of the word special reveals an adjective that
means better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual. But far too often,
students deemed special are made to feel like they are inadequate, subpar, and
unintelligent. That’s why I am attempting to effect social change with the help of a
few very special friends of mine. I’d like to introduce you to Skeeter Buzz, and
Gigi.
SKEETER: Hi.
BUZZ: Hi.
GIGI: Hello.
BENJAMIN ISAAC: These three characters were initially created for an
educational children’s cartoon that features live child actors mixed with 3D
animation. As the characters began to develop, however, I had an epiphany. I
wondered what would happen if I gave all three characters special needs. And
what if these special needs were depicted as merely mental and physical
conditions and not definitive characteristics of who these characters were. As a
result, Skeeter was developed as a character with autism. Buzz, the rapping fly,
was further developed as a character with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
or ADHD. And Gigi was modeled after my own daughter, who has cerebral palsy.
To add authenticity to each character, I decided to have each character voiced
by a child that had that same condition. As a result, Skeeter, the DJ, was voiced
by Ian and Connor, two children with autism. Buzz was voiced by my son Truth,
and Gigi was voiced by my daughter, Kennedy.
The purpose of the show was not to elicit sympathy from the masses, but to
show children with special needs in a very normal light. As a result, the special
needs will more than likely only be mentioned in the opening credits. After that
the children will merely be who they are.
The education I am receiving from Walden University will serve to provide
research-based teaching strategies and information about students with special
learning needs that will be incorporated into the show’s production and shared
with the viewers. Through this show, I intend to leverage the power of teaching in
technology and effect positive social change through education. It is my hope
that the characters will serve to inspire, influence, and impact all children with
special needs. But beyond that it is my goal to show the world that students with
©2016 Laureate Education, Inc. 1

Scholar of Change – Benjamin Isaac
special needs are just that, special, blessed with differences that force them to
interact with the world differently because they view it from a different
perspective.
Walden University has helped me develop this show into an entertaining piece of
media with the potential to educate the world about the true nature of children
with special needs. We thank you for your time and consideration.
ALL: Goodbye.
©2016 Laureate Education, Inc. 2