Illustration: Alexandra Ramirez for GIJN
Guide
Reporting Guide to Investigating Disability Issues
In this guide we’ve included some of the various definitions of disability, important resources, and key issues for journalists to investigate. You’ll hear the voices of journalists from across the globe — many of whom are disabled themselves.
This reporting guide was realized with the help of GIJN Staff Andrea Arzaba, Pınar Dağ, Maxime Koami Domegni, Alim Kholikul, Gabriela Manuli, Benon Herbert Oluka, Toby McIntosh, Marthe Rubio, and Deepak Tiwari. It was written by Emyle Watkins. Editing by Nikolia Apostolou, David E. Kaplan, Laura Dixon, Alexa van Sickle, and Reed Richardson. Illustrations by Alexandra Ramirez, a disabled artist who has hearing loss.
Chapters
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Introduction
To say the disability community is poorly covered is an understatement. Far too often, people with disabilities are pitied, ignored, or painted as “inspirational” for doing things anyone else does. People with disabilities deserve the same serious attention from investigative journalists as any other group.
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Chapter 1 — Understanding Disability
What is considered a disability? This is a difficult question to answer — because the definition can vary, depending on the region, country, or culture.
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Chapter 2 — Key Issues and Story Topics
From deinstitutionalization and independent living to community health and caregiving, there are numerous areas to explore when investigating issues related to disability.
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Chapter 3 — Sources and Data
As in all stories, choosing who your sources are makes a difference. A lot of journalists fail to actually quote a person living with the disabilities they’re writing about, and there are also many disabled and neurodivergent people who are experts in the fields that you might need for your story.
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Chapter 4 — Language and Interviewing
Just as with any other social group or marginalized community, people in the disability community have language that is preferred, or culturally accepted — and language that is not. So how do journalists know the right thing to say?
Chapter Guide Resource
Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Chapter 5 — Case Studies
Ten investigations and stories tackling disability issues around the world to inspire your next investigation.