5 Positive Depictions of Disability in the Media
Though nearly 1 billion people worldwide have a disability, TV and movie characters who realistically depict a disability are few and far between. In fact, nearly 46% of people with disabilities feel their identity group is underrepresented, but some positive depictions of disability in the media still exist.
Paraquad compiled a few positive examples of characters with disabilities on both the big and small screen — read on to see our picks.
CODA
CODA focuses on a child of deaf adults (CODA), Ruby Rossi, as she attempts to help her family’s struggling fishing business while still pursuing her dreams of becoming a singer. The movie offers realistic disability representation by showcasing communication barriers present in society, the use of American Sign Language (ASL) and the experience of children with deaf parents.
All of the deaf characters are portrayed by deaf actors — who used their own experiences to inform their performance. Some members of the deaf and hard of hearing community praised the film for its depiction of characters with disabilities as leaders in their community and devoted family members.
CODA is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Rising Phoenix
Representations of disability in the media also extend to documentaries. Rising Phoenix is a documentary that shares the stories behind the Paralympic Games. The program spans the beginning of the games shortly after World War II to its current success as the third biggest sporting event worldwide.
Rising Phoenix features disability representation from multiple paralympic athletes, including:
Bebe Vio: Bebe Vio contracted meningitis at 11 — to save her life, doctors had to amputate both her legs and her forearms. Now, she is a talented wheelchair fencer for the Italian national team.
Cui Zhe: Cui Zhe acquired polio at the age of two and grew up learning how to strengthen her arms. Now, she is a high-profile powerlifter on the Chinese national team.
Ntando Mahlangu: Ntando Mahlangu was born with hemimelia, meaning his legs didn’t fully develop past the knee. Today, he is one of the brightest stars in the Paralympic Movement, representing South Africa in para track and field events.
Tatyana McFadden: Born with spina bifida, Tatyana McFadden spent her childhood learning to walk on her hands. Now, her powerful arms make her an extraordinary wheelchair track and field athlete for the USA — so far, she has won 20 Paralympic medals.
This documentary stands out as a positive depiction of disability in the media. Each athlete’s successes change society’s view of people with disabilities by spotlighting their resilience, determination and athletic prowess. Rising Phoenix is currently streaming on Netflix.
Sex Education
The TV series Sex Education chronicles the lives of teenagers and young adults as they face personal dilemmas, often related to intimacy. Isaac, a character introduced in season 2, uses a wheelchair. He is portrayed as a witty individual who can also be a troublemaker.
Isaac acts as a realistic disability representation for so many people within the disability community. They are multi-faceted, self-sufficient and involved with others romantically. Other people with disabilities have described his character as “refreshing,” as he is confident and headstrong — traits that are rarely seen in depictions of disability in the media.
Sex Education is currently streaming on Netflix.
X-Men
Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men, uses a wheelchair due to his quadriplegia. He is depicted as a strong, confident and intelligent leader who guides his team through difficult moments. Though he is one of the few characters with disabilities in the franchise, the larger themes of the X-Men generally resonate with people who have disabilities.
Across movies and TV shows, the members of this superhero team frequently face a lack of acceptance. People are scared of what they don’t understand, despite all the good that the heroes do for their community. Beyond that, the general public is often looking for a “cure” for differences — rather than making accommodations in the world that benefit us all.
Though not always overt, themes of disability in the media still provide comfort. These stories showcase how even superheroes have to overcome prejudice and find self-acceptance.
Most X-Men movies and TV shows are currently streaming on Disney+.
Atypical
Atypical is a TV show that follows Sam, a teenager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who is transitioning into adulthood. The show depicts the everyday struggles that Sam faces, as well as the accommodations his parents make to ease him through his journey to adulthood.
Throughout four seasons, Atypical covers a range of life situations that people with autism will face. Sam navigates relationships, independent living, planning for his future and finding support from other characters with disabilities. Though everyone’s experience with autism may vary, some may relate to this depiction of disability in the media.
Atypical is currently streaming on Netflix.
Disability in the Media and the Community
Disability representation is just one outlet where we can feel recognized — but popular media isn’t the only place where people with disabilities can find belonging. Paraquad offers a place where you can learn, grow and connect with members of the disability community firsthand.
Our team believes there is more than one path to independence, and we’re here to help you find yours. For more about living with a disability, visit Paraquad’s blog for weekly resources and information.
