ABC’s The Good Doctor Awarded Matan’s Prestigious Trailblazer Award for Remarkable Contribution to Disability Inclusion.
Matan, a New York-based, national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting disability inclusion and belonging in Jewish communities, is thrilled to announce that it will honor the ABC drama The Good Doctor at its upcoming gala event in Closter, New Jersey, on May 29.
Matan’s prestigious Trailblazer Award will be presented at the event to David Shore, the show’s Emmy Award-winning creator. The award expresses the organization’s heartfelt gratitude for The Good Doctor‘s profound impact on viewers by raising awareness about disability inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging in our society.
For seven seasons until its finale today, May 21, the show has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling storytelling and groundbreaking portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. The show has both entertained viewers and sparked crucial conversations about the abilities, challenges, and aspirations of individuals with disabilities.
Shore, the program’s executive producer and co-showrunner, has been writing and producing television for more than 20 years. He created and was the showrunner on the groundbreaking medical drama House, which ran on Fox for eight seasons. House earned Shore an Emmy in the category “Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series” and several Emmy nominations for producing.
Also at the event, Matan will present its Leadership Award to Rabbi Shai Held, the president and dean of the Hadar Institute in New York City and one of the most influential American Jewish thinkers and leaders. Matan’s Impact Award will be presented to Aaron Kaufman, the Jewish Federations of North America’s senior manager of legislative affairs, who focuses on disability and poverty issues and who is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. The event’s chairs are Dr. Brenda Berry and Jonathan Lopatin, and Daniella and Jeffrey Wechselblatt.
“ABC’s The Good Doctor has been a master class in demonstrating the importance of focusing on a person’s ability rather than disability, and showcasing what is gained when everyone is included, celebrated and utilized for their unique gifts,” said Dori Frumin Kirshner, Matan’s executive director. “We are honored to recognize the show’s remarkable impact on raising awareness of disability inclusion and belonging.”
About Matan:
Matan is a leading organization dedicated to empowering Jewish community leaders and educators through training, coaching and consultations to provide purposeful, enriching and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. Matan envisions a world in which all Jewish communities are stronger and more vibrant because people with and without disabilities share meaningful, inclusive experiences at every stage of life.
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In the farewell season of “The Good Doctor,” new challenges intermingle with the unresolved past. Following the birth of their son, Steve, Shaun and Lea navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. Meanwhile, the team continues to deal with the many changes they have faced at the hospital over the past year and must learn to come to terms with them if they want to move forward in their lives and careers.
The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo, Bria Samoné Henderson as Dr. Jordan Allen, Noah Galvin as Dr. Asher Wolke and Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu.
David Shore and Liz Friedman are executive producers and co-showrunners. Daniel Dae Kim, Erin Gunn, Freddie Highmore, Thomas L. Moran, David Hoselton, Peter Blake, Jessica Grasl, Garrett Lerner, Mike Listo, Shawn Williamson, Freddie Highmore, David Kim and Sebastian Lee are also executive producers.
