Good news:
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The number of characters with disabilities appearing on broadcast television
is on the rise, according to a new analysis.
Eleven characters with disabilities are expected to be featured regularly on
scripted prime-time programs on ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC this season, up
from eight last year.
The findings come from a report released Wednesday on diversity in
television that’s conducted annually by GLAAD, a media advocacy organization for
the gay and lesbian community. The review looks at the number of characters
representing various minority groups — including people with disabilities —
during the 2014-2015 television season, which just began.
For the first time, the analysis indicates that every broadcast network will
feature at least one character with a disability regularly this year. Fox leads
the pack with seven characters across its lineup.
Nonetheless, disability representation remains relatively small, accounting
for just 1.4 percent of the 813 regular characters expected to appear on network
prime-time programs, the analysis found.
“We’re basically seeing more appearances of series regulars and recurring
roles with disabilities, but still very few actual performers with disabilities
in those roles, which reduces the accuracy and authenticity of the characters
and the stories,” said Anita Hollander, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s National Performers
with Disabilities Committee, in the report. “We’re seeing a trend of many more
people and performers with disabilities in reality TV and
commercials/advertising than we are seeing reflected on scripted shows.”
For the report, characters were considered to have a disability if they would
be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Characters with disabilities are expected to appear on Fox in “Red Band
Society,” “Empire” and “Glee” as well as ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” CBS’s “CSI:
Crime Scene Investigation,” NBC’s “Parenthood” and “The Flash” on The CW.
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