According to the social comparative theory individuals will tend to compare themselves with persons in the media. With the portrayal of the disabled this could make for misunderstanding by an audience with disabilities. It is therefore incumbent for media to change negative perceptions.
Advocates and critics demand that the media shift their emphasis from the bizarre and sensational. Partnerships with disability organizations like the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) would be prudent for the general population that view TV shows so that they could have a realistic depiction of the disabled.
The disabled are heavy consumers of television. If used effectively media producers and directors of TV, film and the Internet could present messages and programs of awareness for discussion of the problems they face. Newspapers and magazines run articles that lighten the plight and show insight into the lives of the disabled.
Telethons are prominent for they raise money for various causes of the disabled. These public service programs tend to focus on finding cures for such diseases like cancer, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, sickle cell anemia and the like.
In a democratic society like America the mass media have a responsibility to all citizens. With such a responsibility it should continue to reach out to the physical, sensory and cognitively impaired. These represent an estimated some 650 million people worldwide that should be guided, supported, reassured about their dignity and human rights.
Enrichment of Disabled Lives
According to a recent UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) study, most websites proved inadequate for usage by persons with disabilities. To improve this situation assistive technologies have become the focus of some companies. IBM, Deque Systems, Niit Ventures and e-ISUTTS have been testing a range of systems. Some of these would help to alleviate speech deficiencies and defects. Others, sight with descriptive screens and some other methods that would bring tasks via the Internet to the disabled that are blind and, or deaf.
Such developments would enable the disabled to live more productive lives. With media there is the capacity to make impaired groups visible. TV shows producer-directors could incorporate more disabled persons in their scripts. Such actions would surely have an impact on how the disabled are perceived.
Undoubtedly, TV shows that the disabled watch influence their lives. Like many persons they tend to imitate actors, actresses and rock stars. That is why it is important to show positive attitudes of their lifestyle in the media. Many presently see public buildings and businesses becoming more and more accessible. Other pertinent information and communication are provided in newspaper and magazines.
Some TV programs are closed- captioned. In the present presidential campaign persons that are hearing impaired benefit from sign language used during the Democratic and Republican debates.
Some of the older films and TV shows had portrayed persons with deformities as freaks. To date there are improvements by the way media are covering accounts of issues surrounding mental health stereotypes, drugs and alcohol use of those with disabilities. It is the mass media that have made it possible for persons with these afflictions to be more integrated in the mainstream of American society.
