Guide to Investigating Disability Issues

"As journalists, we worry about getting the story wrong."



This guide seeks to help journalists report on issues impacting people with disabilities in a way that is informed and without prejudice. It includes information on some of the various definitions of disability, important data and resources, and key issues for journalists to investigate. It also discusses how disability can differ between the medical world and the communities themselves and offers tips on how journalists can avoid getting tripped up on language, as well as tips on interview accessibility and finding the right sources.

As explained in the introduction, "To say the disability community is poorly covered is an understatement. Far too often, people with disabilities are pitied, ignored, or painted as 'inspirational' for doing things anyone else does. This is despite decades of disability rights movements pushing for society - including the news media - to do better. People with disabilities deserve the same serious attention as any other group. Watchdog journalism, in particular, has a critical role to play, as the issues needing investigation and accountability are extensive. Among them: discrimination in employment and education, housing and deinstitutionalization, accessible transportation, healthcare, and abuses ranging from domestic violence to forced sterilization."



The contents of the guide are as follows:



Introduction



Chapter 1 - Understanding Disability

• Models of Disability
• Medical, Social, and Other Models of Disability
• Disability and Identity

Chapter 2 - Key Issues and Story Topics to Investigate: Contents cover: de-institutionaliation; accessible and affordable housing; transportation access; employment; invisible disabilities; education; ableism and discrimination; and disability rights movements.



Chapter 3 - Sources and Data

• Finding Sources
• Finding Data
• General Data and Sourcing Tips
• Types of Databases to Look for in Each Country
• International Disability-Specific Organizations
• Other International Resources
• Other Useful Resources

Chapter 4 - Language and Interviewing

• Accuracy
• Describing People with Disabilities
• Reclaimed Language
• Trust and Accessibility
• Interviewing Best Practices

Chapter 5 - Case Studies: This chapter offers 10 investigations from across the world tackling disability issues (including stories from Ecuador, Burkina Faso, Mexico, India, and the United States).