Framework for Evaluating Disability Representation in Film & Media 2025
Because representation is more than just who is on screen
FWD-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.
About the Framework
The FWD-Doc Framework provides a detailed checklist of questions that evaluate disabled representation, including:
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Were disabled filmmakers or creatives meaningfully involved?
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Does the film contextualize outdated views on disability without endorsing them?
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Does the film avoid harmful tropes and depict disabled characters as full, complex individuals with agency?
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Does the film offer new, authentic perspectives on disability?
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Does the portrayal of disability challenge systemic ableism and promote inclusion of disability?