The BBC is set to air a new documentary that will take a deeper look into the relationship between science, diversity and disability.
'Ellie Simmonds: A Life Without Dwarfism?', hosted by the 26-year-old Paralympic swimming champion herself, this new factual programme is set to centre on Ellie's own experiences with her disorder, whilst also examining how potential medications may develop.
Simmons, who has five Paralympic gold medals under her belt for her swimming achievements, was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the UK's most common type of dwarfism, which affects the length of her arms and legs.
The new film, which is set to be broadcast on BBC Two as well as the iPlayer in coming months, will examine a novel drug that scientists currently believe may help other children who are born with the same condition as Ellie.
This new medication is set to increase their rate of growth, but has led sceptics to question whether such a development can stop a disability in it's tracks, and if so, should we use it?
Speaking about her upcoming project, Ellie revealed: "This is a subject close to my heart.
"Growing up these drugs weren’t available to me and had they been, I don’t know what my parents would have done.
"But I wouldn’t change myself. I love who I am and I am glad that I have dwarfism because I think my body is strong and beautiful."
Viewers will see Ellie and her BBC team travel across both the UK and America in order to uncover both sides of the controversial debate.
She will investigate current available treatments for achondroplasia whilst coming face-to-face with the families who are taking part in the new drug's trial stages with the belief that it will benefit their lives.
Ellie is also set to meet those who, like her, are proud of their identity despite the restrictions that come with their disorder. Inclusivity of disabled people has been a trying battle, as Ellie knows first-hand, so she wonders why some might choose to look elsewhere to "fit in" with an evermore accepting society.
Jack Bootle, who is head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History at the BBC, has said: "Ellie isn’t just a brilliant athlete, she’s also a charismatic and passionate speaker and I’m delighted we are showing this documentary on the BBC.
"It promises to be a fascinating film that confronts a modern medical dilemma head-on."
'Ellie Simmonds: A Life Without Dwarfism? is set to air on BBC Two, as well as the iPlayer, in the coming months.
