The changing representation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in the media

In this article, Cher discusses the evolving representation of special educational needs and disabilities in the mainstream media, addressing the areas in which it has approved but highlighting the fact that there is still a long way to go for increased and accurate representation.

Media Coverage of Special Needs

Despite advancements over the years, there are still issues with how people with special educational needs (‘SEN’) are portrayed in the media and on television. In the past, people with SEN and disabilities have frequently been excluded from television and the media or inaccurately portrayed. However, there has been significant change in how people with disabilities, hidden disabilities and SEN are portrayed in television, movies, advertisements, and other media as society increasingly grows to understand the value of diversity and inclusion of those individuals.

The growing participation of actors and actresses with disabilities in mainstream television and productions, as well as their inclusion in reality TV, is one of the biggest shifts in recent years, helping to maintain authenticity and steer clear of media stereotypes.

In order to share their own stories based on their own experiences, more authors, directors, and producers are working behind the scenes on media and television productions. This makes it possible for representations to be more accurate and genuine. Furthermore, the value of speaking with advocates and specialists in disabilities to make sure that the content is accurate and courteous is becoming more widely recognised.

Lack of Diverse representation

Even while the number of people with disabilities in the media is rising, diversity in that portrayal is still lacking. Not all disabilities are depicted equally, and there are wide variations in their types, degrees of severity, and effects on people’s lives. For example, certain conditions like sensory processing disorders or invisible disabilities are not as well represented as others, and physical disabilities may be more frequently depicted than cognitive or mental health difficulties.

The Importance of Representation

The influence of media and television representation on the lives of people with SEN is crucial because accurate and positive depictions can provide a greater understanding, lessen stigma, and give people with disabilities a sense of legitimacy. For those watching the portrayals, these representations can help to encourage more inclusive attitudes in society in general. Being respectfully and meaningfully represented can have a significant impact on the self-esteem of individuals with special needs and inspire them to pursue their goals.

Enhanced Awareness

More varied characters with SEN are now being included on media channels, and people with disabilities are frequently featured as main characters rather than merely in supporting or supporting parts in television series, movies, and documentaries.

Genuine Casting

In addition to giving people with disabilities equal opportunities and possibilities, there is an increasing desire for actors and actresses with disabilities to portray characters with disabilities. For example, in Wicked (2024), character Nessarose was played Marissa Bode, a wheelchair user and Chantelle Nassari, also a wheelchair user was headhunted to work as an accessibility co-ordinator on the set of the film. She was also the nation’s first person to get a dance GCSE as a wheelchair user. More inclusivity towards people with special needs and impairments is encouraged by this move towards authentic casting.

Documentaries and Reality TV

Another significant factor in enhanced representations is the rise in documentaries and reality TV programs that focus on the lives of people with disabilities. People with special needs are frequently given a voice through these initiatives, which enable them to tell their stories in their own words, highlighting their struggles and life experiences.

Popular reality shows, such as Love Island and the Great British Bake Off, have shown more people with special needs. This increase in representation is important as it helps to raise awareness and acceptance in society and they now include those with impairments and hidden disabilities. Tasha Ghouri from love island was their first deaf contestant and Patsy Field was their first contestant with Erb’s Palsy. Lizzie Acker from the Great British Bake Off also revealed that she has ADHD and dyslexia. Furthermore, popular TV show The Chase features Anne Hegerty as a regular chaser, who was diagnosed with autism later in life at age 43.

The Value of Truthful Representation

It is essential that special needs and disabilities be accurately portrayed in the media for a number of reasons.

Firstly, doing so will challenge damaging stereotypes. By demonstrating that people with special needs and disabilities can lead successful, satisfying lives, positive representations of persons with disabilities aid in eradicating negative stereotypes. The presumption that people with special needs or impairments cannot take advantage of the same possibilities as others is challenged by these portrayals and representations.

Secondly, there will be an increase in empathy and awareness towards people with disabilities. In today’s world, social media and television have a huge impact on how people think. Seeing and viewing diverse and real representations of people with different needs and impairments gives viewers a better understanding of the difficulties these people encounter, which can lead to more societal acceptance and inclusion.

Thirdly, accurate portrayals of people with special needs and disabilities will empower those individuals. Seeing themselves represented on TV and social media is immensely empowering and encouraging for people with special needs and disabilities. It demonstrates to them that their experiences count and that there are no restrictions on their ability to succeed in the real world.

Lastly, by increasing accurate representation of people with special needs and disabilities in the media will hopefully contribute to a change in society. For instance, increased acceptance and inclusion in real-world settings, such the workplace, education, and everyday life, might result from the representation of individuals with special needs and disabilities in the media.

Conclusion

As the demand for more diverse and inclusive media portrayal of special needs, disabilities and hidden disabilities grows, it will be important to maintain relationships with disability communities, support genuine and real-life stories from people with needs, and make sure that people with disabilities and needs have the opportunity, platform, and resources to share their own stories.

This will hopefully enable the positive development of the growing demand for more diverse and inclusive media portrayals of SEN, disabilities, and hidden disabilities, which will foster more inclusion and less negative stigma in society.

If you have any questions in relation to this article, please contact the Geldards Education Team.