Tips: On Promoting the Positive Portrayal of People with Disabilities Dr.Niharika Nigam Director & Asst. Prof. TTI for Special Education, DSWSC

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words, have a look

Media and Disability Very important to have positive images of people with disabilities in media People with disabilities do exist in our public consciousness, but are the images portrayed positive ones? Characters with disabilities in the mainstream cinema have flourished . We have seen increasing number of characters with disabilities on the small screen also.

A CAUTIONARY FACT A POSITIVE FACT

The media has actually come a long way in increasing images of persons with disabilities on big and small screens . What people need to realize is that those images affect the way society views and understands people with disabilities. Disability is not referred as a casual prop or representation of adversity/evil. Positive role models to look up to in media.

Role of Language in positive portrayal of disability Use language that focuses on the person, not the disability. Always put the person before the disability. For example, use ‘person with hearing impairment’ rather than ‘Deaf’. Use language that conveys a positive message and emphasises abilities rather than limitations. For example ‘a person who uses a wheelchair’ rather than ‘confined to a wheelchair’.

It is important that language and images emphasise the value of the lives of people with disabilities, their dignity and strength and the contribution they make. Some words and images perpetuate inaccurate stereotypes. People with disabilities are often portrayed either as high achievers or as passive recipients of support. Repeated images of people as victims of accident, tragedy, illness or injustice reinforce stereotypes of helplessness and less value.

Avoid equating disability with illness. Avoid referring to a disabled person as a “patient” unless the context is a clinical setting. (Disability is not synonymous with suffering) Instead of referring Handicapped seating, parking, toilets use accessible seating, parking, toilets

Avoid references that dehumanise, for example never say ‘a victim of’ or ‘suffers from’ which evoke discomfort or pity and suggest constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. People with disabilities are not necessarily “special” because of their disability. It is therefore important to avoid narratives which portray them in extreme terms such as “hero” or “victim”, however inspirational this approach may seem.

Using Positive Images Positive imagery has the potential to change societal perceptions of disability and support people with disabilities to achieve full participation in everyday life. It is important to represent their lives accurately.

Wherever you can: Include positive images and representations of PwD that show disabled and non disabled people interacting on equal terms. Include people with disabilities as those providing services, not just as users of services. For example, a campaign encouraging people to work in social care should include content that assumes that PwD will give as well as receive care. Portray people with disabilities as integrated and integral members of the community, and not as set apart and segregated by their apparent difference.

It is important to use images of people who live with a disability in literature or campaigns for general services, not just those services that impact on or are for people with disabilities. .

It is very important that both journalists and communications professionals connect disability issues with human dignity and rights. Human rights-based approach should be used to portray positive image of PwD Human rights are the fundamental principles through which every individual can gain justice and equality

Ultimately, the human rights-based approach aims to empower PwD, and to ensure their active participation in social, economic, political and cultural life. Changes are needed in society to ensure this, starting by changing perceptions.

Emphasize ability, not the disability (unless it is critical to the story). Avoid emotional words such as “unfortunate”, “pitiful”. Avoid sad music or melodramatic introductions when reporting on disability. Focus on the person, not the impairment

Show persons with disabilities as active in society Portraying people with disabilities as active members of society and not as passive and dependent helps to break down barriers and opens up opportunities.

Allow people with disabilities to speak for themselves Experience shows that when a disabled person speaks with confidence and authority about a particular situation, non-disabled audiences are more likely to believe that people with disabilities are knowledgeable (ILO and Rehabilitation International 1994).

Don’t overemphasize disabled ‘heroes’ Even though the public may admire ‘superheroes’, portraying people with disabilities as superstars raises unrealistic expectations that all people with disabilities should achieve this level.

What can the media do to support reporting on disability and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society? Here are some recommendations:

Raise awareness of the challenges facing people with disabilities and issues surrounding disability, and factors that contribute to the exclusion and stigmatization of people with disabilities. Bring discussion of disability into the public arena to challenge the idea of it as a taboo subject. Feature examples of people with disabilities as providers of expertise, services, assistance and as contributors of financial support to their families and communities. Promote the message that people with disabilities are present in every community across the globe. They have the same range of emotions, interests, talents, skills and behaviour as the rest of the population and should be portrayed as having the same complexity of personality and experience as other people of similar age and situation.

People with disabilities don’t always want to be “cured” or have their disability magically go away – They simply want to be included in the mainstream and be respected as equals. They definitely aren’t evil; nor are they absolutely helpless.  They are contributing members of the larger society and want to be independent with full access.