Resources

Promoting Disability Equality in the Media

Despite all the positive changes happening in newsrooms and leadership roles, diversity in the media remains a challenge.
When certain groups are left out, the media fails to present all angles of a story, missing diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. Consequently, audiences do not receive the full picture, and promises of fair and accurate representation often fall short, affecting our perceptions of each other in society. It is the case of persons with disabilities, who make up 16 percent of the global population but remain one of the most marginalized groups. Media coverage frequently overlooks them, and when their stories are told, they are often framed through stereotypes. This not only creates barriers but also denies them their rights. To address this, media organizations should enhance editorial policies and representation, improve employment conditions, and foster a more inclusive environment for professionals with disabilities.

The Practical Manual and Master Class provide hands-on advice to editorial teams on how to ensure fair and unbiased coverage of disability. For content producers, it details how to make media content and services accessible. To managers and decision makers, the material inspires change, demonstrating how disability equality can contribute to media industry growth and create new revenue streams.

This work contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and promotes freedom of expression, media development, and access to information for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in public debate.