PARIS, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is preparing to host a webinar on December 6, 2023, focused on promoting disability equality in the media. This event is part of the UN’s week-long celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, media coverage significantly influences public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards persons with disabilities. However, disability issues are rarely included in mainstream media coverage, and when they are, it’s typically in the context of specific disability-related events. Accessible media features are often provided exceptionally rather than as a standard practice.

Currently, there’s no self-regulatory mechanism to monitor and promote balanced representation of persons with disabilities in the media or to assess accessibility standards. People with disabilities are frequently portrayed as subjects of news rather than as sources of information or experts.

UNESCO is working on a Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media and a Master Class Video series to encourage media to respect inclusion, equality, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities. The webinar will feature experts like Sophie Morgan, Kristin Gilger, Laetitia Bernard, Alireza Darvishy, Agam Shah, Jürgen Menze, and Mirta Lourenco, discussing diversity, inclusion, and equality in the media.

Participants will be presented with the first results of the Practical Manual, and the event will serve as a platform to gather feedback from various stakeholders on practical recommendations. The UNESCO Master Class hosted by Sophie Morgan will also be screened, along with supportive messages from prominent media professionals.