Nearly 22% of the population, or 61 million Americans, has some type of disability, yet reporting on disability topics is limited. And when the media covers a disability story or portrays a character with a disability, the presentation frequently reflects inaccuracies about disability that have deep roots in American history and culture.
Consequently, people with disabilities are too often portrayed as tragic, malevolent, or inspirational figures who spark pity or fear, or who deserve accolades for triumphing over adversity. Rarely are they depicted as complex individuals whose lives and experiences include, but are not entirely defined by, their disabilities.
The Disability and Media Alliance Project (D-MAP) encourages authentic representations of diverse people with disabilities in the media and helps journalists write accurate articles about people with disabilities, the disability experience, and disability policy. D-MAP brings together the disability community and the media industry to promote accurate representation of people with disabilities and to eliminate disability stereotypes and misinformation in news, television, films, and other media.