The Visibility and Image of Handicapped People on Television

Abstract

A random sample of prime time television programing during spring 1979 was analyzed to determine the visibility and image of characters portrayed as handicapped. Results suggested that handicapped persons are, overall, not highly visible and are as likely to appear in negative roles as positive ones. Implications include the suggestion that prime time television probably serves more to maintain societal devaluation of handicapped individuals than to foster positive attitudes and interactions.