Donkey Hodie Cast Actor to Represent Disability
Jay Thomas Manuel voiced the character Jeff Mouse to ensure authentic representation for young viewers.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Special Needs
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Actor Jay Thomas Manuel provided the voice for the character Jeff Mouse on the series Donkey Hodie, which airs weekdays in California on Valley PBS. The production team intentionally cast a wheelchair user to portray the character, who is named for Jeff Erlanger.
Why it matters
The team consulted with disability groups during the scripting and production of Jeff Mouse to ensure authentic development and representation of the character. This approach reflects a growing focus on disability advocacy within children's media.
The show Donkey Hodie airs at 11 a.m. weekdays on Valley PBS, featuring a character voiced by Jay Thomas Manuel. Manuel, who has Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3 and Autism, is a member of RAMPD.
The players
Jay Thomas Manuel
A voice actor and reality television star who is a member of RAMPD and has Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3 and Autism.
Valley PBS
The local public television broadcaster that airs children's programming for California viewers.
The details
Production teams prioritized authentic representation by casting a wheelchair user to voice the character Jeff Mouse. During the scripting and development process, producers collaborated with disability advisors to ensure the character's portrayal was accurate. This collaborative process allows for nuanced storytelling that reflects real-world experiences for children watching the program.
Timeline
The series Jay & Pamela premiered in the spring of 2025.
Donkey Hodie airs at 11 a.m. on weekdays.
The Home Front
The involvement of RAMPD in production reflects a shift toward integrating disability advocacy into mainstream children's programming. This development mirrors broader industry efforts to move beyond token representation toward collaborative, authentic storytelling.
Parents looking for inclusive programming can tune in to the local broadcast of Donkey Hodie at 11 a.m. on weekdays. Discussing these characters can be a helpful way to introduce children to the diverse experiences of others in their community.
The takeaway
Authentic representation in children's media helps build empathy and understanding for viewers of all abilities. Consider checking local listings for programs that prioritize these collaborative casting decisions.
Further reading
For more information on inclusive media, visit the Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
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