Thursday, June 29, 2017

Media coverage of disabled people protesting GOP healthcare bill

Disabled people have been protesting throughout the year against the AHCA, the proposed GOP healthcare bill in the House, and now the BCRA from the Senate.

On June 22, 2017, activists from ADAPT occupied the hallway and staged a "die-in" in front of Sen. Mitch McConnell's office. They were hauled off by police at the Capitol which resulted in news and a flurry of social media. One of the protesters was our very own co-partner Gregg Beratan.


Here are three excellent articles by disabled writers reflecting on the recent media coverage and the 'sudden' discovery of disabled people involved in activism.

Media has been Wrong about Disability and it May Cost 24 Mil People their Healthcare
Imani Barbarin, Crutches and Spice, June 25, 2017

How Media Coverage of Health-Care Protests by People With Disabilities Missed the Point
Robyn Powell, Rewire News, June 27, 2017

How Can News Stories Discuss The Lives Of People With Disabilities Without Talking To Us?
Aditi Juneja, Bustle, June 28, 2017


To read more, check out the Storify from our recent #CripTheVote chat on political coverage and disabled people with guest hosts Vilissa K. Thompson, s.e. smith, and Ana Marie Cox. People shared their thoughts about ableism in the media and recommendations on improving the media landscape.