7 August 2006 - Images of Disability website launched today
A new website, www.imagesofdisability.gov.uk, which contains guidance about portraying disabled people in communications materials, was launched today.
The website is aimed primarily at communications professionals to provide them with support and guidance in producing effective and inclusive depictions of disabled people. It has been compiled through extensive consultation with the Images of Disability Steering Group1 which includes representatives from the Disability Rights Commission, to ensure both accuracy of information and to gain support and input.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:
“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.”
The new website covers a broad range of useful material including:
- An extensive Media Gallery - containing examples of positive portrayals of disabled people across a range of media channels
- ‘How to...’ guides and templates – from campaign briefing to production
- Sample briefs
- Tips and techniques about effectively applying a disability message to a campaign
- Useful research material
- Case studies and articles about disability
Notes to editors
- Supported by the Prime Minister and launched in June 2002, the cross-government Images of Disability initiative is driven by a dedicated Steering Group. The group comprises representatives from Government, the advertising industry and the Disability Rights Commission, and meets regularly to give strategic direction and input to the initiative, monitor progress and disseminate good practice.
- This estimate covers the number of people with a longstanding illness, disability or infirmity, and who have a significant difficulty with day-to-day activities. It is based on data taken from the Family Resources Survey (FRS).
For media enquiries contact Jess Prasad on: 020 723 80766
Press Office: 020 7238 0866
Out of hours: 079659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171