When it comes to disability representation, so many factors get in the way of characters and storylines resonating with members of the community and capturing how diverse we are. An issue that cannot be dismissed is “cripping up”, which is when a non-disabled actor plays a disabled character.
How do we portray people with disabilities?
To emphasize capabilities, avoid negative words that portray the person as passive or suggest a lack of something, such as victim, invalid, or defective. While the term disability itself implies a negative, it is the most objective term we have in English.
How are disabled people represented?
Characters with disabilities are
twice as likely to
be shown in management positions than other characters (20.0% compared with 10.7%). In addition, these characters are more likely to be represented as hardworking, in STEM occupations and as leaders than other characters.
What is the politically correct term for disabled?
Term Now Used:
disabled person
, person with a disability. Term no longer in use: the handicapped. Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability. Term no longer in use: mental handicap.
How are people with disabilities represented on TV?
According to a 2018 Ruderman White Paper study on authentic representation in TV,
22% of characters with disabilities were portrayed by an actor or actress with the same disability
in network television.
Why disabled representation is important?
Performers with a disability are much more likely to
portray
their character in an accurate way and without any stereotypes. By having a disability themselves, these performers are able to showcase what people with that disability actually go through.
Is mental illness a disability?
Mental illness is
a disability when it disrupts performance and negatively influences
a person's day-to-day activities. The degree and extent that a person's functioning is impaired is another important factor in defining mental health disability.
Who is disabled person?
For the purposes of federal disability nondiscrimination laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 188 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), the definition of a person with a disability is typically defined as
someone who (1) has a
…
Is special needs the same as disabled?
The National Center on Disability and Journalism recommends never using it: “Our advice: avoid the term ‘special needs. ‘
Disabled is acceptable in most contexts
, but we advise asking the person to whom you're referring what they prefer.”
What do you say to a disabled person?
Say
“person with a disability”
rather than “disabled person.” Say “people with disabilities” rather than “the disabled.” For specific disabilities, saying “person with Tourette syndrome” or “person who has cerebral palsy” is usually a safe bet. Still, individuals do have their own preferences.
How many disabled characters are played by disabled actors?
Actors, producers and directors can use their talents through inclusion riders and other means to fight stigmas and advance opportunities. They also have the power to change the fact that actors without disabilities play
more than 95 percent of all characters
with disabilities on television.
How does society view those with disabilities?
The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person's impairment or difference. It
looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people
.
How were the disabled treated in the past?
Children and adults with severe disability
were kept at home, isolated and hidden from public view
. They were often denied what others received, including education, care, employment, and a place in the family or in society. They were considered “different” and their differences were viewed negatively.
What is authentic representation?
Authentic Representation is
a depiction of (1) who you want to be (2) created without deception
.
The social model of disability identifies
systemic barriers, derogatory attitudes
, and social exclusion (intentional or inadvertent), which make it difficult or impossible for individuals with impairments to attain their valued functionings.
What disability does the Joker have?
Phoenix's Arthur Fleck suffers from
Pseudobulbar affect, or emotional incontinence
, described as a person's inability to control their emotions. Arthur breaks out into fits of spontaneous laughter, necessitating the use of a card he presents to people to explain his disorder.
