Episode 4: IDD Representation in Media

CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently launched a strategy refresh that “drives our delivery system toward meaningful transformation, including focusing on equity in everything we do.” Advancing equity is one of CMS’ key objectives.

We at MediSked recognize that in order to achieve equity, representation matters. While 26% of the U.S. adult population is living with a disability, this group is one of the least represented on screen. Media has immense power to shape ideas, and it can influence how we see others and ourselves. Media representation can break down barriers and create powerful role models.

In this episode, the hosts chat about some of their favorite media with IDD representation.

Hosts

• Abby Rose Esposito, Marketing Specialist, MediSked (email: abbyrose_esposito@medisked.com)
• Alyssa Galiney, Relationship Manager, MediSked (email: alyssa_galiney@medisked.com)

Disclaimers

• You will hear the hosts use both person-first and identity-first language in this episode, as we’ve found that there are many individuals who prefer each or both (i.e. you’ll hear us say “autistic person” and “person with autism”). This is based on recommendations we’ve found primarily from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
• Neither of this episode’s hosts have an intellectual or developmental disability, but we did our best to research the opinions of members of the IDD community in forming our perspectives on these films and TV shows discussed. We hope that you will let us know if you hear anything in this podcast that is disrespectful in any way to the IDD community.

The transcript of this episode is available here.