What comes to mind when you think about disability? For many people, their first impressions are shaped by what they see on TV, in movies, or on social media. The media has a huge influence on how society perceives disability—sometimes it empowers, but just as often, it reinforces old stereotypes and misunderstandings.
Image from Afrika Tikkun LinkedIn
For many years, mainstream media have depicted disability in a narrow light. Classic films and news segments frequently focus on themes of “tragedy” or “inspiration,” while rarely portraying the everyday realities of people with disabilities. Although such stories can be emotionally impactful, they often reinforce the idea that disabled people are solely defined by their challenges or that overcoming disability is an exceptional feat. In her online news article, Mwangi (2024) highlights how the media in Kenya can help redefine disability and combat the stigmatization of individuals with disabilities within society.
This type of storytelling, known as “inspiration porn,” was widely criticized by the late disability activist Stella Young. She highlighted that people with disabilities are often used to motivate able-bodied audiences instead of being portrayed as complex individuals with their own goals, ambitions, and full lives.
However, the tide is gradually turning. Thanks to the rise of social media and new online platforms, people with disabilities are gaining more control over their stories. Influencers, bloggers, and artists with disabilities share their views directly, challenging stereotypes and expanding the definition of being “abled differently.” They have made progress by casting disabled actors in leading roles and telling stories rooted in authentic lived experiences. These portrayals go beyond simple tropes of pity or heroism, offering nuanced insights into the realities and joys of disabled life.
Kenyan news outlets have increasingly adopted more accurate and empowering representations of disability (Kenya Disability Network, 2024).
There’s still more to be done. Media outlets play an important role in shaping public opinion and policy. The stories they share affect everything from school inclusion to workplace accessibility. Better representation isn’t just about showing more people on screen; it’s about being accurate, respectful, and diverse.
Kenyan news outlets have increasingly adopted more accurate and empowering representations of disability – Kenya Disability Network, 2024.
I see it as nothing big cause i am just abled differently from others and that really makes me proud.
Additional to that I can do something that alot of people can’t do such as writing with my legs,feeding myself with my legs ,dressing myself with my legs etc .
Great read. It really shows how powerful media is in shaping how people see disability. I like the focus on changing the narrative to something more real and respectful ,representation truly matters. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
Good stuff. A great message to the world.
A great read. Your writing is both informative and thought-provoking. It really highlights an important issue in a clear and powerful way.
This made me realise how quietly the media shapes the way we see people without us ever noticing. Great message.
Great read
A great topic in deed.Disability is not inability. Kenya Institute of Mass communication has for the last Five years been admitting trainee who are enabled differently thus empowering the trainees to seek jobs in Mainstream media house. If a media house employs such people it a great step towards inclusivity of such people.