Disability in the news: The Australian press 2004 -2005

Abstract

The selection and framing of stories about disability and people with disabilities by the media may shape public views about disabled people. To examine this theory a database of Australian newspapers was searched from January 2004 to December 2005 on the major terms impairment, disability, and handicap, and specific disability descriptors such as deaf, blind, and physically and intellectually impaired. An analysis of articles resulting from the search was conducted to examine the topics covered, mentions of specific disabilities, and the "models" of disability represented. Implications for representation of people with disabilities and for journalism education are considered.