When we create presentations, choosing the right imagery is often top of mind as the idiom “a picture is worth a thousand words” still holds true and images offer strong support of the message we wish to convey. However, how often do we consider the inclusivity of these images?

The World Health Organization states 16% of the world population experience significant disability and many nations report up to 25% or more (especially as many disabilities are not visible), yet these individuals are not reflected in stock photos or worse, are only represented in a negative light that nearly erases their humanity. In her article about how 96% of government sites hide men and women with disabilities, Sarah Turner points out tagging on stock photo sites often identifies the people in their photos by their disability by using words such as “invalid”, “wheelchair-bound”, and “insurance” instead of using more common words used for other images of those without disabilities (even of pets!) that were identified by more personal words such as “smiling” and “happy.”

I discovered many of these excellent free stock photo sites from The Law Offices of Lainey Feingold. Consider reviewing them the next time you create your next deck when considering images of success, victory, happy families, etc. to reflect your actual community and normalize disability representation.

Disability:IN, Pexels, Disabled and Here, SocietyPix (free for non-commercial use), Burst, Lummi, Business Disability Forum (you may have free membership through your employer), US Consumer Product Safety Commission.