Urban Mislej

Disability Representation in the Media: Beyond Stereotypes and Inspiration Narratives

People with disabilities are often misrepresented—or entirely absent—from mainstream news coverage. When they do appear, stories frequently fall into two narrow categories: tragedy or inspiration. These simplified portrayals fail to show the diverse experiences, identities, and expertise people with disabilities bring to society.

Ethical journalism demands a shift. Reporters must seek out disabled voices as experts, leaders, and community members, not only as subjects of human-interest stories. They should avoid “inspiration porn,” where individuals are portrayed solely for overcoming adversity, and instead highlight structural issues—accessibility gaps, policy shortcomings, or discrimination—that shape lived experience.

Young journalists have an opportunity to change how disability is framed. By choosing inclusive language, asking for guidance on preferred terminology, and ensuring accessibility in multimedia formats, they contribute to a media landscape where disabled people are represented with dignity and accuracy.

Ultimately, responsible reporting supports broader social inclusion. It helps society see disability not as an exception, but as a natural part of human diversity.