Understand

that kids, youth, and adults with disabilities lead fulfilling lives and that disability is not inherently tragic or inspirational. It is important to shape media coverage to reflect that.

Seek

people with disabilities’ own voices, perspectives, and experiences in stories and news coverage. It is important the members of the disability community have the opportunity to shape public discourse about disability and other topics.

Avoid

negative and ‘ableist’ language, like “confined to a wheelchair,” “wheelchair bound” or “suffers from a disability” that implies having a disability is bad. Instead consider “uses a wheelchair” or “has a disability.”

Ask

the person who has a disability questions directly, rather than asking the person they are with.

Respect

how each individual chooses to describe themselves and their disability. For example, some people use “autistic person,” while others use “person with autism.” The best way to understand how an individual wants to be described is to ask them.

Consider

the person first, before their disability. Disability is just part of a person’s identity. Dive into their story. Learn who they are.

Hire

people with disabilities in the newsroom and on-camera. The media is uniquely positioned to shape public perceptions and build awareness about disability issues and it is important the voices of people with disabilities help shape and tell those stories. Make your newsrooms inclusive and accessible.

Familiarize

yourself with guidelines such as Media Smart’s Media Portrayals of Persons with Disabilities: Solutions and The Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Equitable Portrayal Code.

Media Smart’s Media Portrayals of Persons with Disabilities: Solutions

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Equitable Portrayal Code.