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UNDER-REPRESENTATION IN DATA

Exceptional and disabled individuals are often underrepresented in demographic data due to exclusion from surveys, census counts, and other data collection methods, leading to a lack of accurate representation in policy-making and resource allocation.

ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS

Many demographic surveys, forms, and data collection methods may not be accessible to individuals with disabilities, creating barriers to their participation and resulting in incomplete or biased data.

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HEALTH DISPARITIES

People with exceptionalities & disabilities may face disparities in healthcare access & outcomes, worsening existing demographic health inequalities.

EDUCATIONAL DISPARITIES

Lower graduation rates
Limited access to quality education
Higher rates of bullying or discrimination

EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES

Discrimination
Lack of accommodations
Inaccessible work environments

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CHALLENGES REGARDING STEREOTYPES

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Misrepresentations in Media/Pitiful or Helpless

This stereotype overlooks their capabilities & strengths, perpetuating the idea that they are unable to live fulfilling lives independently and devaluing them as individuals.

Limiting Expectations

This misconception disregards the diverse range of intellectual capabilities among individuals with exceptionalities/disabilities, perpetuates the belief that they are incapable of achieving success & undermines their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

Burden on Society

Particularly, in terms of financial resources or accommodations required for accessibility; Fails to recognize the value & contributions of people w/ disabilities & ignores the importance of promoting inclusivity & accessibility for all members of society

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INVISIBLE DISABILITIES:

Mental Health conditions

Autoimmune diseases

Chronic Pain & Fatigue Disorders

Neurological Disorders

CAN YOU SEPARATE THE ABLED & DISABLED??

Credit

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CHALLENGES REGARDING REPRESENTATION

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Token Characters - as a plot device to evoke sympathy or inspire the protagonist’s growth. Their disability may not be fully explored or is portrayed in a one-dimensional manner.

Overcoming Obstacles - narrative of characters with disabilities overcoming their challenges to achieve success or acceptance. While empowering, these stories can sometimes reinforce the idea that disability is something to be overcome rather than an inherent aspect of identity.

Lack of Diverse Representation - certain disabilities overrepresented (e.g. physical) & others underrepresented (e.g. neurodivergence)

Narratives of Triumph - portrays characters with disabilities/ exceptionalities as triumphant heroes who defy societal stereotypes. While empowering, they may also oversimplify the complexities of living with a disability.

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After analyzing a board book collection of 87 titles that included disability representation, Kaplan, Tobin, Dolcetti and McGowan (2022) noted a few publishers that excel in quality representation of children with disabilities… and suggest examining the catalogs of Child’s Play, Woodbine House, and Free Spirit Publishing.

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CHALLENGES REGARDING AUTHENTICITY

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Pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations of what it means to be “normal” which may conflict with exceptional and/or disabled individuals’ authentic selves.

Accessibility of Authentic Expression They may face challenges in expressing their authentic selves due to barriers related to communication, mobility, or sensory differences, which can limit their ability to fully engage with others & express their identities

Assumptions which undermine their authenticity and may lead to being “pigeonholed” or misunderstood based upon their condition rather than their individuality.

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“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit, as well as physically.”

— Stephen Hawking

“I am different, not less.”

— Temple Grandin

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Disabilities/Exceptionalities

in Children’s Literature TakeAways

Kleekamp & Zapata (2019) suggest this list to evaluate picture books for appropriate representation of exceptionalities or disabilities:

Multi-dimensional character (w/ disability)
Able to speak for themselves
Given agency
Has mutually beneficial relationships w/ other characters

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Disabilities/Exceptionalities

in Young Adult Literature TakeAways

Artman-Meeker, Grant and Yang (2016) offer these types of post-reading discussion questions for young adults to ponder regarding disabilities representation:

How does the character who is exceptional or disabled demonstrate self-determination?
How do other characters’ perceptions of the character who is exceptional or disabled differ? Or, how are they similar?
How does the author’s portrayal of ability compare/conflict with the reader’s beliefs regarding disability?

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Interactive, Annotated List of Diverse Books about Exceptionalities & Disabilities

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Resources/References

Artman-Meeker, K., Grant, T. O., & Yang, X. (2016). By the Book: Using Literature to Discuss Disability With

Children and Teens. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 48(3), 151-158. https://doi.org/10.1177/0040059915618195

Black, R. S., & Tsumoto, C. A. (2018). Portrayal of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young

Adult Literature. Exceptionality Education International, 28(1), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.5206/eei.v28i1.7758

Kaplan, A. G., Tobin, C., Dolcetti, T., & McGowan, J. (2022). Representation Matters: Board Books with

Children with Disabilities. Children & Libraries, 20(3), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.20.3.15

Kleekamp, M. C., & Zapata, A. (2019). Interrogating Depictions of Disability in Children’s Picturebooks. The Reading

Teacher, 72(5), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1766

Kurkjian, C., & Livingston, N. (2005). Children’s Books: The Right Book for the Right Child for the Right Situation. The

Reading Teacher, 58(8), 786–795. https://doi.org/10.1598/RT.58.8.10

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Resources/References

Martin, K. (2023). 10 New Books with Disability Representation for Adults. Publishers Weekly, 270(30), 19-.

Mellon, C. A. (1989). Exceptionality in children’s books: combining apples and oranges. In School Library

Journal (Vol. 35, Issue 14, pp. 46-). Library Journals, LLC. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/illinoisstate.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/exceptionality-childrens-books/docview/1966039657/se-2?accountid=11578

Prater, M. A., & Dyches, T. T. (2008). Books That Portray Characters with Disabilities: A Top 25 List for Children and

Young Adults. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(4), 32–38. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990804000404

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