A new website containing guidance about portraying disabled people in communications materials has been launched. The website, Images of Disability (IOD) - www.imagesofdisability.gov.uk, which is supported by the Prime Minister, is a cross-government initiative driven by a dedicated Steering Group. The group comprises representatives from Government, the advertising industry and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), and meets regularly to give strategic direction and input to the initiative, monitor progress and disseminate good practice.
The website is aimed at providing support and guidance in producing effective and inclusive depictions of disabled people for use by communications professionals.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People commented:
“There are more than 10 million disabled people in Great Britain, including people with limiting longstanding illnesses2 – nearly one in five of the population. However, it remains extremely rare to see disabled people represented in mainstream media, which is why a website like this is necessary to redress the balance.
I’m sure that anybody involved in developing and delivering communications activities and products will find the website extremely useful in helping to ensure they represent today’s society fairly and accurately.”
