As with many sectors, the film and TV industries have work to do when it comes to authentic Disability inclusion and representation. According to Diamond’s recent survey of the industry in the UK, Disabled characters make up just 8.2% of characters on-screen, even though 20% of the population has a disability. Behind the camera, representation is even worse, with only 5.8% of offscreen talent being Disabled.
What’s more, Disability representation is rarely authentic: a recent Nielsen study showed that Disabled people are 52% more likely to say that the portrayal of Disabled identities is inaccurate. Too often, Disability representation still relies on harmful stereotypes, and non-disabled actors playing Disabled roles – a pervasive phenomenon known as “cripping up.”
Luckily, there are reasons to be hopeful. This year’s Academy Awards were more accessible, with American Sign Language interpreters on the red carpet, and audio description and continued ramp access for all attendees. When the Oscar for Best Live Action Short went to An Irish Goodbye, its lead James Martin became the first person with Down’s Syndrome to win an Academy Award. (Though much discussion remains on how even in such historic moments, non-Disabled people speak for Disabled people.)
Below, there is a summary of some of the best movies or TV shows from the last five years with authentic Disability representation. From Netflix commissions exploring disability, to recent blockbuster box-office hits and recognition during Award Season, there are certainly signs that the movie and TV industries are beginning to understand Disability inclusion. Here are the movies and TV shows which give us hope for the future of Disability representation on-screen.