Disability Media Dispatch - June 2025
Sometimes reality TV actually gets disability right.
Hi! So, my typical format for monthly newsletters was to share some thoughts on what’s happening in the world, followed by sharing something I’m watching and what I’ve read lately about disability. But now that I’m planning to write more often, my monthly media reflection and round-up of disability around the interwebs will be its own thing.
Want more recommendations for what to watch? Paid subscribers can access my list, which I’ll be keeping updated: What to Watch for Authentic Disability Representation.
🎬 What I’m Watching: Survivor, season 48
It feels really frivolous to be writing about reality TV when the world continues to be on fire. (There is still time to advocate to save Medicaid and SNAP using these tools.) But I also think it’s more essential than ever to be talking about nuanced, accurate disability representation in the media. After all, much of the reason we’re in this mess is lack of recognition of the basic humanity of people who don’t fit arbitrary molds of “normalcy.”
For the most part, I’m not much into watching reality TV. So when my fiancé, Brandon, first tried to get me to watch Survivor with him early on in our relationship, I was skeptical. But he loves it, and I love him, so of course I gave it a chance. And while I haven’t become a die-hard fan, I can absolutely see the appeal of the game. I’d assumed it was just about people struggling to survive on an island, and when I learned that there’s actually an immense amount of social strategy that goes into gameplay, I became invested.
Brandon knew that one of the quickest ways to pique my interest was with a video showing how disability is represented. He had me watch a reward challenge with Noelle, a player who is a single leg amputee. It’s definitely got the “inspirational disabled person overcomes obstacle” angle, but I still found myself wanting to watch and appreciating that an actual disabled person was competing.
Then came the latest season, with not one, but two disabled players—Eva and Mitch. Eva is autistic and Mitch has a speech disability. I won’t spoil anything here, but I need to talk about how much I’ve appreciated the way Survivor framed their stories.
There was a moment in which Mitch was stuttering, and after he finished speaking, the host, Jeff, paused to ask if Mitch would like support in finishing his sentences, or patience as he finished his sentences on his own. I loved this modeling of how to avoid assumptions and give autonomy to a disabled person to explain what they want and need. It was also notable because while listening to the Survivor podcast, Jeff talked about just how much work goes into editing the hours of footage they have into a tightened up TV show where every second counts. They could’ve simply cut Mitch’s speaking, but they didn’t alter it, and it made for an important, authentic learning moment.
The show did much the same with Eva’s storyline. She spoke openly about being autistic in interviews, but initially only chose to reveal it to one fellow player who she trusted. Later in the season, Eva experiences a meltdown in front of all the players due to the stress and sensory overload of the game. Rather than sensationalizing the moment or objectifying Eva, the show held space for the support she needed in the moment. Then, afterwards, they gave her the opportunity to educate her fellow players and the viewers about her identity and how she was feeling. It was surprisingly powerful.
Admittedly, I’ve not yet finished the season because I’m forever in the middle of way too many TV shows. So I can’t speak for the entirety of the season. But if you’re looking for disability representation that I think is done right in the reality TV space, Survivor season 48 could be an interesting show to check out!
Have you watched it? How did you feel about the portrayals of Mitch and Eva? Any other reality shows getting it right?
🌐 Disability Around the Interwebs
Airlines and Trump Administration Backpedal on Protections for Travelers With Wheelchairs
‘Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
Unanimous Supreme Court makes it easier to sue schools in disability cases
Making the case for Medicaid: 6 tips for speaking out
The Proposed AI Moratorium Will Harm People with Disabilities. Here’s How.
Capitol Police Zip Tie Seniors in Wheelchairs During Medicaid Protest
In Memory of Disability Justice leader Patty Berne
What disability-related things have you come across in the past month that I missed? Let me know in the comments!
📢 Before we wrap up, a quick note that I’m excited about! Earlier this year, I officially launched an LLC. It’s a pretty lean operation, since I am my only employee, but I’ve always believed deeply in the importance of collaboration. So, if you’re seeking both disability policy and disability communications expertise, I invite you to reach out about working with both me and the fabulous Kimberly Knackstedt of Unlock Access. She brings her deep well of policy knowledge and lived experience to help organizations shift culture, redesign systems, and build access into everything they do. I’ve previously had the joy of working with her, and we would love to work in tandem with your organization! Check out her Substack, and stay tuned for an upcoming collab post from us.
I know that resources are scarce right now, but if you feel you’ve learned from my work and have the capacity to support, please consider a paid subscription. Don’t forget that with a subscription, you can unlock access to my list of what I recommend watching for authentic disability representation, which I’m committed to keeping updated.
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And if neither of these are viable for you, not to worry. Either way, I’m truly so glad you’re here. Thank you!
I adore Noelle, she gifted me a grant for my very first yoga arm. Also the winner from her season included her foundation “Born 2 Run” among those whom they gave ALL of their prize money to!!