The disability landscape is complex and constantly evolving, spanning different types of disabilities, identities, access needs, and preferred language. For many companies, not knowing where to start and fears of “getting it wrong” can lead to inaction. However, the cost of doing nothing is high – in terms of missed business opportunities and in upholding a status quo that excludes the disability community.

Recognising the need for clear guidance, we have worked with a diverse group of disability advocates and experts to define authentic disability representation and outline key principles that can be applied across industries and geographies. This is a flexible approach that can be adapted no matter what stage an organisation is at on their disability representation journey. The key is to commit, take intentional action, and continuously improve in partnership with the disability community.

A Deaf Black man smiles and looks at something in the distance while signing. The man has glasses, a beard, and septum piercing, and stands outdoors in front of a black wall with sunkissed foliage while wearing a peach shirt, smartwatch, beaded bracelet, and hair tied back with a bandana.
A Deaf Black man smiles and looks at something in the distance while signing. Photo by Gritchelle Fallesgon for Disabled and Here.

Our Definition Of Authentic Disability Representation

Our definition of authentic disability representation reflects the rich diversity and intersectionality of the disability community. It covers the lived experiences, multi-dimensional identities, and access needs of disabled individuals in a respectful and empowering way. While acknowledging internal community disagreements around language and models of disability, this definition aims to foster a shared understanding to guide authentic representation efforts.

Authentic representation is the systematic and genuine portrayal of disability across all media, communications, and consumer touchpoints. For this to happen, disabled employees must be recruited, supported, and given opportunities to progress at every stage of the process.

Authentic representation means accurately casting disabled talent, co-creating narratives with disabled communities, and moving beyond stereotypes and tropes. It also means meeting the needs of disabled customers by embedding inclusive design practices to make products, services, and customer and employee experiences accessible and inclusive from the outset.

A Black woman stands under a tree and smiles, framed by green foliage all around. She is dressed in all black, with a dress and sandals and a silicone covered prosthetic leg.
A Black woman with a silicone covered prosthetic leg stands under a tree. Photo by Chona Kasinger for Disabled and Here.

Key Principles for Authentic Representation

Developed through a collaborative process involving a diverse working group of disability advocates and experts, our Key Principles for Authentic Disability Representation serve as a starting point and guiding framework for organisations committed to advancing disability representation both internally and externally. It’s time to move from awareness to action – and these principles provide a roadmap to get started.

 

Close-up of a Black and Indigenous austistic non-binary person with pink ombré hair, black lipstick, black nail polish, tattoos, and bracelets using a tangle stim toy.
Close-up of a Black and Indigenous autistic person using a stim toy. Photo by Chona Kasinger for Disabled and Here.