Framework for Evaluating Disability Representation in Film and Media 2025
âFWD-Doc recognizes that authentic representation of disabled people in film and media is not just about who is on-screen, but also about who is behind the camera, in decision-making roles, and on the awards stage. Films that exclude disabled voices in the storytelling and distribution process often perpetuate harmful tropes, reinforcing stereotypes that view disabled people as objects of pity, inspiration, or fear rather than full and complex individuals. â
The FWD-Doc Framework provides a detailed checklist of questions that evaluate disabled representation, including:
Disabled Involvement: Were disabled filmmakers or creatives meaningfully involved?
Historical and Cultural Context: Does the film contextualize outdated views on disability without endorsing them?
Depth and Nuance: Does the film avoid harmful tropes and depict disabled characters as full, complex individuals with agency?
Broadening Perspectives: Does the film offer new, authentic perspectives on disability?
Real-World Impact: Does the portrayal of disability challenge systemic ableism and promote inclusion of disability?