Part 4/13:
Authentic representation involves more than just casting actors with disabilities; it encompasses developing nuanced characters and avoiding stereotypes. For instance, portraying a deaf character like Ekko—who is deaf and missing a leg—requires thoughtful storytelling, especially when addressing complex themes like dating and identity. Interestingly, the study notes that only 3.9% of characters across 350 shows have a disability, a figure that starkly contrasts with the nearly 30% of the U.S. population who identify as having some form of disability.