Most TV Characters With Disabilities Played By Those Without

The vast majority of characters with disabilities on television are played by typically developing actors, according to a new report, which finds little has changed in the last decade.

Only 21% of characters with disabilities in streaming, broadcast and cable shows between 2016 to 2023 were portrayed by actors with the same or similar conditions.

The findings come from an analysis of 350 scripted television shows that was released recently by the Ruderman Family Foundation, which advocates for disability inclusion in Hollywood, and the Geena Davis Institute, a nonprofit that promotes on-screen diversity.

While representation of actors with disabilities varied during the time period studied, the report found no meaningful improvement over time.

“These findings reveal two stark realities; firstly, that the data underscores the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities on television despite one in four Americans having a disability, and secondly, that progress towards this goal has stagnated in recent years,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Overall, characters with disabilities remain dramatically underrepresented on television, the analysis found. Across the eight years studied, those with disabilities accounted for just 3.9% of characters and they were slightly more common on streaming services versus cable or broadcast shows.

The report recommends that the television industry adopt authentic casting practices, make accessibility the norm on sets and support projects written and performed by people with disabilities, among other steps.

“The narratives presented on screen greatly influence societal perceptions and understanding of inclusion,” Ruderman said. “We urge writers, producers and decision-makers to take note of our recommendations and commit to authentic representation without hesitation.”