Punky set to show life with Down syndrome

THE world’s first animated television series to have a lead character with Down syndrome is coming to RTÉ television next week.

Aimed at pre-school children, Punky is an RTÉjr series that tells stories from the everyday life of Punky, a little girl who has Down syndrome.

Created, written and produced in Ireland, the series which features 20 seven-minute-long episodes will begin broadcasting on May 3.

Punky is described as a happy little girl who loves music, dancing, playing with her big brother, Con, and jumping around with her dog, Rufus.

She is a determined girl who helps around the house and sets about dealing with challenges that her family encounter.

The character of Punky is voiced by Aimee Richardson, 29, who has Down syndrome, and Down Syndrome Ireland provided support and reviewed material during development and production of the series.

Commissioning editor for Young People’s programming at RTÉ television, Sheila de Courcy, said that RTÉ was delighted to introduce Punky to audiences.

“We are always thrilled to be involved in home-grown programming like this series, which we believe will resonate with young people everywhere,” she said.

“We strive to represent and reflect the diversity of growing up in Ireland in 2011. Punky is the first lead character in an animated series to have Down syndrome and we are proud to be in a position to lead the way in children’s television globally.”

Chief executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, Pat Clarke, said greater diversity in how people with disabilities are portrayed is really vital.

“It means a lot that people with Down syndrome can be seen in a normal setting, one that highlights sameness and not difference, which has been a big problem in the past. The response to the series so far has been very positive, and children and adults of all ages will be able to understand the everyday life and quirks that people with Down syndrome have.”

lPunky will be shown weekdays at 10.25am and 1.45pm on RTÉjr.