Media's Role in Influencing Public Perception of People with Disabilities

This report focuses on media's role in influencing public's perception of people with disabilities. It discusses an article portraying disabled people in a positive light and recommends strict policies for rehabilitation centers.

Media
Analysis.

Table of Contents
Business Communications...............................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Review of article..............................................................................................................................3
Summary:.....................................................................................................................................3
Portraying people with disabilities: ............................................................................................3
Words contributing to negative stereotypes:................................................................................3
Reflection:....................................................................................................................................3
Recommendation: .......................................................................................................................3
Conclusion: .................................................................................................................................4
Article portraying disabled people in positive light. ......................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
Newspapers are the most important medium of information because they not only cover
local news and matters but also covers issues related to public grievances, social behaviour and
also teaches empathising with the helpless and poor people. The current report will focus on
media's role in influencing public's perception of people with disabilities(Ma, (2017)).
Review of article
Summary:
The media report focuses on the story of a 24-year old mentally disabled man who got
discharged from Kings Regional Rehab with just one week prior notice without any place to live.
The 24-year-old man apparently names London Wabb behaves like a 12-year old and suffers
from chronic heart diseases, epilepsy, asthma and anxiety. It appeared as a big shock for his
mother Brenda Wabb and the entire family because the Rehabilitation centre called a week
before leaving Landon and told his family that they could not keep him, so he is being
discharged. The advocate for people with mental disabilities stated that the behaviour by Kings
Rehab is extremely disgraceful and unethical therefore strict legal action must be taken against
them. Brenda stated that this action has put Landon's life on risk and the police has failed to
identify him(Parsons and et.al.,(2018)).
Portraying people with disabilities:
The person with disability and illness has been portrayed as delicate and vulnerable who cannot
take decisions on their behalf and the article shows a lot of empathy towards disabled people.
There is an example where Brenda Wabb showcases her son as low functioning and a person
with poor judgement therefore people can take advantage or harm him any shape or form.
Words contributing to negative stereotypes:
Negative stereotypes included low functioning, incompetent person and vulnerable.
Reflection:
In my opinion, this article will change the perception of public towards disabled people in a
positive manner because it will make public empathize towards disabled and handicapped
people. An example where Brenda Wabb states that her son is low functioning and predators can
cause him harm, will definitely change the opinion of public and it would bury the stereotypes.

Recommendation:
In my opinion, I would like to recommended that strict policies must be implemented by the
government of the state regarding the rehabilitation centre and the patient must not be allowed to
leave until they are fully recovered or it has been assured that they will not cause harm to others
as well themselves. There must be strict rules and regulations for this purpose.
Conclusion:
From the above file it can be concluded that it is imperative for rehabilitation centres to take care
of the mentally disturbed people and also they must not be released until they are fully
recovered. The article changed my perception towards mentally disabled people and it has made
me realized the problems and the risks faced by them therefore I have decided to be more
empathetic towards them and provide them proper guidance whenever I meet or cross them.
Article portraying disabled people in positive light.
https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/mental-health/living-with-a-person-
suffering-from-mental-illness/

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ma, Z. (2017). How the media cover mental illnesses: a review. Health Education, 117(1), 90-
109.
Parsons and et.al., (2018). How active are patients in setting goals during rehabilitation after
stroke? A qualitative study of clinician perceptions. Disability and rehabilitation, 40(3),
309-316.