Vulnerable burden or vital members of our society?

The Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) commissioned communications and framing expert Nicky Hawkins to undertake this work and prepare this briefing in close collaboration with Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) and GCPH.

The briefing examines current public, political and media discourses around disability, recognising that many existing narratives are unlikely to foster feelings of solidarity, shared humanity or support for fair disability policy. 

Its purpose is to explore alternative ways of framing and communicating disability that are grounded in shared values: that disability is part of being human, that disabled people make vital contributions to society, and that everyone benefits from a more inclusive and respectful Scotland. In addition to drawing on existing press narratives around disability, the analysis is supplemented with relevant research evidence and insights, offers initial recommendations, and identifies areas for further work.