Disability Media Representation

This essential guide examines how film and television shape our collective understanding of disability, unpacking the powerful role media plays in either reinforcing harmful stereotypes or fostering genuine empathy. Ethan Parker provides a critical analysis of disability representation, tracing the evolution from historical portrayals rooted in pity and fear toward the more nuanced narratives emerging today. The book serves as a crucial primer on how media functions as a primary source of information that directly impacts social perceptions and inclusion.

What makes this work particularly compelling is its advocacy for authentic storytelling and its clear-eyed critique of how representation translates into real-world consequences for disabled communities. Teen readers and young adults developing their media literacy will find this an indispensable resource for understanding the politics of representation and their role as critical consumers. Parker equips a new generation with the analytical tools to demand better, more inclusive narratives from the entertainment industry.