Raya Tsvetkova

Stories about disability often fall into predictable patterns. Some portray disabled people as helpless, while others turn their achievements into feel good inspiration pieces. Both of these approaches reduce individuals to simple characters instead of portraying them as full, complex people.

Inspiration focused stories can be especially problematic. While they may seem positive, they often imply that disabled people exist to motivate others. A person using a wheelchair is not an inspirational lesson. They are simply living their life.

Journalists can do better by focusing on the real issues disabled communities face. Accessibility, healthcare, employment discrimination, and social barriers are all meaningful topics that deserve attention. Personal stories can still be part of the reporting, but they should be grounded in context rather than dramatic framing.

Language matters as well. Phrases like "confined to a wheelchair" or "overcoming disability" suggest that disability itself is the problem, rather than the environment and attitudes that create obstacles. Neutral and precise language is more respectful and accurate.

The most important thing is to treat disabled individuals as credible sources on their own experiences. They are experts on their lives. Interviewing a variety of voices within the community, rather than relying on singular examples, also helps avoid reinforcing stereotypes.

Thoughtful reporting can challenge misconceptions and create space for more inclusive narratives. It can highlight resilience without turning people into symbols and emphasize challenges without reducing anyone to a tragedy.