Disability Media: Films, TV, Radio and Documentaries | Publications
Summary: The Disability Media: Films, TV, Radio and Documentaries section on Disabled World (DW) offers a rich collection of articles and papers that delve into the portrayal of disability across various media platforms. This category encompasses news, reviews, and discussions about how disabilities are represented in films, television, radio, and documentaries. For example, it highlights the introduction of Bruno, the first autistic character in the "Thomas & Friends" franchise, voiced by an autistic actor, aiming to promote inclusivity and understanding among young audiences. Another featured work is "We Are the Most Beautiful People," a film that challenges societal norms by exploring themes of ableism, racism, and the distinctions between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. These articles provide insightful analyses and updates, serving as valuable resources for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those interested in media representation and disability advocacy.
Searching the Database: The data table below lists items that may have been updated or revised, but the table defaults to sorting by descending publication date; you can search and sort by clicking column headers (JavaScript required). Items in this category are also distributed via our Disability Media: Films, TV, Radio and Documentaries RSS feed.
| Title and Description | Ed | Publish Revised |
|---|---|---|
| Grace Film Review - Down Syndrome and Autonomy A heartfelt review of Grace, a short film by Anna Rodgers exploring autonomy, love, and self-determination for a young woman with Down Syndrome. | ✓ ✓ | 4 Apr 2026 |
| On the Spectrum Premieres March 17 on ChaiFlicks ChaiFlicks premier's award-winning Israeli autism series On the Spectrum March 17, streaming exclusively during National Autism Acceptance Month. | ✓ ✓ | 18 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 |
| Blurred Sidebands in Video Content: Causes and Accessibility Concerns Explore accessible video techniques to replace blurred sidebands, ensuring clarity for viewers with vision impairments. | ✓ ✓ | 31 May 2025 |
| Film: We Are the Most Beautiful People | Adults With Disabilities The film challenges societal norms, exploring the profound themes of ableism, racism, intersectionality, and distinction between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. | 7 Jul 2024 | |
| Rikki Lee Travolta Wins Best Actor at Midwest Film Festival Disabled actor Rikki Lee Travolta won Best Actor at the Midwest Film Festival for his role in The Sleight, and took home two additional awards the same week. | ✓ ✓ | 25 Oct 2023 13 Apr 2026 |
| Bruno: First Autistic Character in Thomas and Friends Mattel introduced Bruno the Brake Car, the first autistic character in Thomas and Friends, voiced by an autistic actor and developed with autistic consultants. | ✓ ✓ | 8 Sep 2022 30 May 2026 |
| The Magnificent Meyersons : Black Sand Pictures The Magnificent Meyersons, one ordinary new york city family on an extraordinary day that will change everyone's life forever, starring Kate Mulgrew, Richard Kind, Shoshannah Stern, Neal Huff, Daniel Eric Gold and Lauren Ridloff. | 24 Jul 2021 9 Oct 2023 | |
| Zoomtopia Production: Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Zoomtopia is a virtual theater production where artists with disabilities challenge perceptions through innovative multimedia art and social commentary. | ✓ ✓ | 2 Jun 2021 21 Dec 2025 |
| T11 Incomplete: An LGBTQI and Disability Film T11 Incomplete is not only an LGTBQI love story at its core, but also highlights the disabled community through authentic casting and employing disabled crew. | 13 Apr 2021 22 Sep 2023 | |
| Anthroposophic Medicine: The Art of Healing Short Film Series Rooted in the relationship series of short films on The Art of Healing gives insight into Anthroposophic Medicine. | ✓ ✓ | 24 Mar 2021 21 Aug 2025 |
| Hank and Emma Faye to Teach Children Sign Language, Inclusivity, and Kindness Deaf host debuts a new video series, Hank and Emma Faye, on KLRN PBS to teach children sign language, inclusivity, and kindness. | 31 Jan 2021 9 Oct 2023 | |
| Making Sense Film Features Actors with Disabilities Making Sense is an independent sci-fi film starring five actors with disabilities, each representing a primary sense, based on the science of neuroplasticity. | ✓ ✓ | 31 Jan 2021 4 Mar 2026 |
| Free Online Training and Wellbeing Workshops for Deaf and Disabled Artists Affected by Pandemic Disabled led theatre company Graeae announces Beyond: Develop FREE online wellbeing and Creative Professional Development workshops for Deaf and disabled artists affected by the COVID-19. | 21 Jan 2021 | |
| Autism ABCs and Fix it in Five: Free from The Brain Broad for April and Beyond Dr. Lynette Louise releases season one (Uganda) of her international autism docu-series Fix it in Five with Lynette Louise aka The Brain Broad, free for viewing on YouTube. | 9 Apr 2020 3 Mar 2026 | |
| Harder Than You Think - Paralympic Games Documentary Film Producers John Battsek and Greg Nugent of HTYT Films producing ground-breaking new feature documentary titled 'Harder Than You Think', which charts the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games. | 26 Aug 2019 8 Oct 2023 | |
| Take a Look at This Heart | Love and Sexuality in the Disabled Community New documentary film Take a Look at This Heart by director Ben Duffy explores the romantic lives of extraordinary people with disabilities. | 23 Dec 2018 4 Oct 2023 | |
| Director Olivier Bernier to Make Film About Inclusive Education Search for Son US director Olivier Bernier awarded $400,000 to make film about personal search for son's inclusive education, Bernier's film was selected from over 150 entries from around the world for the Videocamp Film Fund 2018. | 26 Sep 2018 | |
| The After Party - I Am Not, 'Seizure Boy,' Netflix Netflix clearly has no respect whatsoever for veterans with epilepsy, or the millions of people who have epilepsy in America. | 11 Sep 2018 5 Oct 2023 | |
| Australian Film All Means All Reaches Film Fund Final Five The Australian documentary All Means All, on children with disabilities in mainstream education, is among five finalists for the $400,000 Videocamp Film Fund. | ✓ ✓ | 9 Sep 2018 30 May 2026 |
| Angels of Mercy Film Stars Quadriplegic Actor But Needs Your Help Angels of Mercy film is designed for empowerment within the disabled community and to promote awareness of biases toward the disabled community often portrayed in the media. | 7 Apr 2018 6 Jun 2018 | |
| Actress Eileen Grubba Advocates for Inclusion from Hollywood to the Boardroom Eileen Grubba joins forces with Disability Solutions to make the inclusion movement not about charity, but about hiring outstanding talent who happen to have a disability. | 24 Mar 2018 | |
| Videocamp Launches $400,000 Inclusive Education Film Fund Videocamp and UNICEF launched a $400,000 social impact film fund calling on filmmakers worldwide to create a film on the theme of inclusive education for children. | ✓ ✓ | 21 Mar 2018 30 May 2026 |
| Society's Child: A Film by Dylan Rothbein Filmmaker, musician, performer and disability activist Dylan Rothbein announces fundraising campaign for groundbreaking new feature film on neurodiversity. | 18 Dec 2017 29 Mar 2024 | |
| Special Unit: Action Comedy Film Led By Cast of Actors with Disabilities Christopher Titus and Combustion Films release Special Unit an action and comedy film led by a cast of groundbreaking actors with disabilities. | 21 Oct 2017 30 Apr 2018 | |
| First Blind Dates : Did Sparks Fly or Does Cupid Need to Work on His Archery Skills? Guide dog owners date strangers and reveal challenges of living with sight loss and the difference guide dogs have made to their lives. | 7 Sep 2017 26 Mar 2020 | |
| I Have Friends In Heaven: Movie About Disability in Hollywood I have friends in heaven movie will be screened at the Chinese Theatre of Los Angeles (Hollywood), on the occasion of the 12th Los Angeles Italia - The Italian Film Fest. | 21 Feb 2017 10 Nov 2019 | |
| Road Less Run Film to Inspire Greater Inclusivity of Disabilities in Sport Prague based filmmakers launch unique documentary crowdfunding campaign aiming to inspire greater inclusivity of disabilities in sport. | 8 Feb 2017 30 Apr 2018 | |
| Hollywood, Unapologetic! - My Experience Being Disabled In Hollywood OTK Media Group, Inc. produced Hollywood, Unapologetic! - My Experience Being Disabled in Hollywood Episode, as part of the new Hollywood generation movement. | 13 Jan 2017 30 Apr 2018 | |
| TellMe TV: World's First Netflix-like Service for the Blind Debuts in US and Canada TellMe TV fully described video on-demand service delivers unprecedented selection of rich entertainment experiences to US and Canadian blind and vision-loss community. | 5 Dec 2016 | |
| Supported Decision Making Video Empowers Youth with Disability Leaving Care Voice Your Choice video is designed for anyone caring for, supporting or working with a young person with a disability in out-of-home care or preparing to leave care. | 4 Sep 2016 30 Mar 2026 | |
| BFI Funds Accessible Workshops for Deafblind Filmmakers Deafblind charity awarded £31,000 by British Film Institute to enable deafblind people to take part in accessible filmmaking workshops. | 28 Aug 2016 3 May 2020 | |
| The Flying Stars: Amputee Soccer Team Film Team captain Bornor and midfielder Census are amputees who play organized soccer in Sierra Leone to cope with the horrors of war they suffered a decade ago. | 25 Aug 2016 3 May 2020 | |
| Vietnam: Long Time Coming Film: Inclusive Bicycle Ride Documentary about World T.E.A.M. Sports' 1998 Vietnam Challenge bicycle expedition featuring 70 disabled veterans from the U.S. and Vietnam with able-bodied coaches. | ✓ ✓ | 25 May 2016 6 Dec 2025 |
| Fix it in Five Season 2 by Lynette Louise - Autism Channel Season Two compares Applied Behavior Analysis vs Child Centered Learning and reveals how common approach is complicit in creating violence that is blamed on autism. | 13 Apr 2016 26 Apr 2024 | |
| How HR 3101 Advances Digital Accessibility for the Disabled Overview of the CVAA and HR 3101, detailing how U.S. law ensures digital communications and video accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors. | ✓ ✓ | 26 Feb 2016 31 May 2025 |
| The Healthspan Imperative - Short Video Narrated by Martha Stewart The Healthspan Imperative is a short film narrated by Martha Stewart looking at challenges of aging American population and the quest to increase our healthspan. | 21 Aug 2014 30 Apr 2018 | |
| Study Reveals Lack of Diversity in Hollywood Blockbuster Movies Study illuminates dramatic lack of diversity in top grossing Hollywood blockbusters in science fiction and fantasy genres. | 30 Jul 2014 15 Jun 2021 | |
| Driven: From Wheelchair to Race Car Documentary movie highlighting adaptive racing technologies enabling paraplegic individuals to drive, showcasing resilience and innovation in adaptive sports. | ✓ ✓ | 21 Jun 2014 25 Mar 2025 |
| Fantastic Frank Johnson Inspires Abled and Disabled Fantastic Frank Johnson is the author of the book From Flawed to Fantastic, which inspires others to overcome challenges and transform their lives. | 18 Apr 2014 17 Jun 2022 | |
| Accessible Radio Broadcasting Lets Blind and Visually Impaired Create Internet Radio Stations SAM Vibe has an easy and fully accessible interface to allow broadcasters with or without vision to create their own commercial-quality radio stations right from their PCs. | 9 Oct 2012 16 Jul 2021 | |
| The Undatables View On Disability The Undatables follows 8 adults with conditions ranging from Aspergers and Tourettes to facial disfigurements and brittle bone disease. | 8 Apr 2012 16 Feb 2019 | |
| Touch Series on FOX TV - Child with Autism Predicts Future Events The Touch TV show centers on a father who discovers his autistic mute son can predict events before they happen. | 1 Feb 2012 21 Jun 2014 | |
| Disability Access News Radio Ireland Disability Access News on Corks Life FM 93.1 radio focuses on disabilities twice daily every Tuesday and Thursday at 3.30pm and 8pm. | 10 Oct 2011 29 Mar 2024 | |
| Empowering Canadians Living with Disabilities - TACtv - The Accessible Channel Accessible Media TACtv The Accessible Channel fall line-up provides informative programming targeted to people living with disabilities. | 15 Sep 2011 12 Jun 2016 | |
| Born Warriors - Opportunities for Persons with Disability in the Film Industry Born Warriors organization provides exciting opportunities for disabled teens and young adults that are interested in participating in the film industry. | 5 Aug 2011 | |
| NAD Files Disability Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Netflix The National Association of the Deaf announces the filing of a major federal lawsuit against Netflix in US District Court District of Massachusetts. | 17 Jun 2011 | |
| Grannies on Safari 3rd Season on PBS Travel adventures of two women who reinvented themselves in their 60s to live their dream as hosts of their own travel show. | 15 May 2011 | |
| Living with Schizophrenia Documentary Film Documentary film tells the story of three people who are living meaningful lives with schizophrenia. | 9 May 2011 10 May 2011 | |
| Disability Radio Extends its Reach Disability based organizations are being offered a unique opportunity to engage with a national radio station. | 5 May 2011 | |
| From Silence to Sound - Deaf Man Hears for First Time A deaf man takes a chance on a risky surgery in hopes of hearing for the first time in his life. | 16 Mar 2011 3 May 2019 | |
| Amputees in Action Becomes ISO 9001:2008 Certified Amputees in Action is a specialist agency that supplies amputee actors for medical training and film productions. | 28 Feb 2011 | |
| Jodie Foster Talks About Beaver Movie and Depression Exclusive cover story interview with actress Jodie Foster about depression and her movie The Beaver. | 9 Feb 2011 9 Jun 2022 | |
| For Once In My Life PBS Documentary Inspiring documentary showcases a unique band with disabilities and their journey to show the world the greatness within them. | 1 Feb 2011 22 Aug 2024 | |
| Top Movie Titles of 2010 The years top dvd movie rental titles listed by category based on video rentals occurring in 2010. | 28 Dec 2010 | |
| Watch Free Classic TV Shows Online New directory to connect viewers to The Internet Archive classic TV collection of digital media online. | 16 Dec 2010 | |
| Radio Series Highlights Women with Disabilities in Science Series includes stories that describe programs and tools for supporting students with disabilities in their pursuit of STEM careers. | 22 Oct 2010 | |
| Warrior Champions Film to be Shown at Suffolk Y JCC WARRIOR CHAMPIONS a story of severely wounded American soldiers who after losing limbs and suffering paralysis in Iraq fight to compete in the Beijing Paralympic Games. | 20 Oct 2010 30 Mar 2026 | |
| Suzanne Somers Gets Candid About Fighting Aging Suzanne Somers brings her BREAKTHROUGH tour on aging and wellness to American cinema audience. | 12 Oct 2010 | |
| New Abilities TV has Applied for Station Presence on DISH TV New Abilities TV a subsidiary of Peoples Network, Inc. has applied for Station Presence on DISH TV. | 3 Oct 2010 | |
| CVAA Ensures Digital Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities The CVAA mandates digital accessibility in communications and video, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in the digital age. | ✓ ✓ | 29 Sep 2010 31 May 2025 |
| America's Favorite TV Mom Becomes Dancing Sensation The Florence Henderson Show captures and relives some of Florences most memorable moments. | 28 Sep 2010 | |
| New Reality Series 'Forever Young' TV Land New Reality Series Forever Young from Katalyst and 3 Ball Productions. | 13 Aug 2010 12 Aug 2010 | |
| Online Claims That Oprah Hates Disabled People Alleged rigged votes for Your OWN Show contestants resulting in Oprah hates disabled people blog posts circulating the Internet. | 10 Jul 2010 29 Mar 2024 | |
| The Disorganized Mind by Nancy Ratey DIG Coaching Practice presents Attention Talk Radio with host and attention coach Jeff Copper. | 30 Jun 2010 20 May 2019 | |
| Seniors Talk Show on Retirement Living TV with Lynn Doyle RLTV Introduces a fast-paced, hard-hitting primetime talk show It is Your Call with Lynn Doyle Tackles the issues most important to adults 55+. | 10 Jun 2010 9 Nov 2019 | |
| Tips for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis - Online Talk Show New Way RA focuses on practical tips and advice for daily living with rheumatoid arthritis. | 17 May 2010 | |
| Understanding Autism - Doctor Radio Reports Doctor Radio brings together doctors experts and parents to explore autism spectrum disorders from medical social and practical perspectives. | 23 Apr 2010 24 Apr 2010 | |
| HDTV Set Top Boxes and Digital TV Broadcast Information A look at what is required for receiving digital TV transmissions and HDTV including cheap set top box options for existing televisions. | ✓ ✓ | 29 Mar 2010 2 Jun 2025 |
| Disabled World Live Online Radio Station Proposal Disabled World is seeking interested persons for creating Disabled World Live an online radio station broadcasting live disability news and current affairs. | 1 Feb 2010 23 Apr 2010 | |
| Radio Bug - Disability Internet Radio Radio Bug presents music resources and subjects of interest to persons with disabilities and non-disabled persons through Internet broadcasting. | 21 May 2009 9 Jul 2010 | |
| Ringler Radio Releases Latest Production to Disability Community Ringler Radio has released its latest production - People with Disabilities under the Obama Administration announced company President and CEO Robert J. Blattenberg. | 10 Mar 2009 5 Jul 2010 | |
| Webbytalents: Film and Video Platform for Disability Webbytalents is a free video sharing platform for films made by or for people with disabilities, connecting artists, filmmakers, and communities from around the world. | ✓ ✓ | 4 Jan 2009 12 Apr 2026 |
Note: Disabled World compiles disability-related publications as a resource. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Disabled-World.com. To submit disability-related articles and peer-reviewed manuscripts and papers, ensure submissions comply with our guidelines. For questions, please contact us.
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