Disability and the Media

Media is a significant part of contemporary society and culture, and is subsequently crucial to our understanding of disability. How exactly does the media interact with disability and vice versa? Does the media adequately reflect the lives of people with disabilities or offer a means of social inclusion? Does the media perpetuate stigma or deny access to those with disabilities?

This concise, integrated introduction to the complex relationship between disability and the media offers a road map to the key areas of participation, access and representation. Bringing together international theoretical work and research on disability, with analysis and examples across a diverse range of media forms – from radio, to news, popular television and new digital technologies – the text explores the potential for establishing a more diverse, rich and just media. It is an invaluable resource for students of Media and Communication Studies, Cultural Studies and Disability Studies.