Representations of disabled children and young people in Irish newspapers

Abstract

Disabled children experience many barriers to inclusion in society. Such barriers include public attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions towards disability. There is a specific gap in the literature examining the representation of disabled children in mass media, especially within an Irish context. Previous research primarily focuses on representations of disabled adults. Eighty-nine Irish broadsheet newspaper articles from a 12-month period were analysed using qualitative content analysis and critical discourse analysis. Although disabled children featured within the discourse, the child’s voice was predominantly absent. Reports regarding the lived experience predominantly came from the third person, providing a non-authentic voice of disability in childhood. Articles highlighted some of the challenges faced by children e.g. difficulty in accessing educational placement. Opportunities for disabled children to share their experiences using their preferred communication means offer valuable insights into their lives. Media professionals should be supported in facilitating children to have their voice heard. Points of interest Two methods were used to examine how disabled children were represented in three Irish newspapers and what types of words were used to represent them Although disabled children are featured within Irish newspaper articles, parents and people who work with disabled children tended to speak on their behalf Sometimes disabled children were labelled using impairment first terminology Irish newspapers highlight some of the challenges faced by disabled children e.g. accessing appropriate schools and social outlets Healthcare professionals have a role in advocating for and supporting disabled children to actively participate and have their voices and stories heard in the media Healthcare professionals have a role in educating media professionals to support communication with disabled children so as to deliver a first-person account of living with a disability