Disability representation in the creative industry, where are we?
Read in Indonesian
The creative industry is home to an abundant group of talented people. From artists to musicians, the industry is often seen as a role model when it comes to inclusivity and diversity. But is it really? Perhaps, but the same cannot be said to the disabled community.
The disabled community has always been seen with a negative connotation. Consciously or subconsciously, the industry tends to underrepresent or even go as far as misrepresenting the community and not satisfy their needs.
According to a survey done by Attitude is Everything (AiE), 70% of respondents admitted hiding their disability out of fears of jeopardising their gig opportunities and relationships with promoters. A survey of nearly 100 deaf and disabled musicians across the UK revealed that concert venues often fail to provide proper access and facilities.
A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation also found that in 31 of the most popular shows in the US that had characters with disabilities, only four actors with actual disabilities were cast.
Taking it back home to Indonesia, one dyslexic art student admits that he also keeps his disability on the down low, “I want to not tell them that I have dyslexia because I don't want to be a burden to them later and I don't want them to compare it either.”
Art has been regarded as a popular method for disabled creatives to get a word out. When it comes to art, there are no social constructs or ideological challenges that limit one’s self-expression – this makes it easy to navigate through complex emotions. There is also a wide variety of mediums to choose from.
For example, a person who struggles with expressing ideas with words can opt to paint or draw instead to get the message out. “When presented the chance to create art, a person with developmental disabilities is invited to awaken his or her creative spirit. After viewing a completed piece, the individual may encounter feelings of pride or relief, which for a time may override the dark shadow a disability can cast,” according to a research paper written by Lacie L. West.
When the disabled community gets an opportunity to shine in the arts, they truly rise to the occasion. Look at Stevie Wonder, for example, a blind musician who gave the world iconic musical masterpieces such as ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ and ‘Sir Duke,’ or Lauren Potter, an actress with Down syndrome who played the character Becky Johnson on the hit TV show ‘Glee.’
Even here in Indonesia, disability is represented in the critically acclaimed film– the first Indonesian film premiered at Sundance– ‘What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love.’ The characters of the film are also played by disabled actors, which makes the representation hit home.
However, negative representation of the disabled community in mainstream media still outweighs the good, and we’re still oceans away from where we want to be when it comes to recognising disabilities, especially in the creative industry. This may be due to a defunct educational system along with stigmas and stereotypes we continue to endorse towards people with disabilities.
Image: Xiao Pin Pin
“Not really, because a lot of systems still don’t support us,” said blind musician Xiao Pin Pin when asked about representation in the creative industry (@xiaopinpinmusic).
When a dyslexic student was asked whether schools were able to cater to his struggles, he said, “No, it’s difficult. I find it hard to follow lectures and studies.” He added that, “Therapy is only effective to a certain extent, and it is costly.”
A representative from a non-profit organisation that focuses on children with autism in Indonesia, Yayasan MPATI (Masyarakat Peduli Autis Indonesia), said that, “Even to diagnose autism in a child they will put you in a waiting list for 6-12 months.”
Social stereotypes also create this little bubble that promotes secularism and the separation between the disabled and the abled. It goes as far as people underestimating the capability of these children
“The creative industry isn’t all that acceptant, because at first of course people with disabilities will be underestimated. But despite that, we still have to continue to persevere to gain acceptance and support,” said Xiao Pin Pin.
“Oh, children with autism can do that?” –get undergraduate education, intern abroad independently, own their own cafe and serve as a proud barista, sell hydroponic plants, publish three books, create and sell works of art worth millions– yes, they can! They can do it very well in fact! Sometimes even better than us,” said a representative from Yayasan MPATI.
Founded back in 2004, Yayasan MPATI is a non-profit organisation acting as a medium between autism and the outside world – they help create opportunities for autistic children all over Indonesia to connect with the environment around them.
One of their most notable events is the annual expo they have hosted since 2018, where they showcase creative works of the autistic community. In 2019, this event invited more than 100 booths and amassed almost 5,000 visitors.
With the ongoing pandemic however, a new wave of challenges surface. Now, most events either have to be postponed or moved online. Transitioning from offline to online is notably easier said than done.
“The transition to home-based learning wasn’t easy. Zoom is a bit new for us, since we’ve been relying more on Instagram’s features like IG live or posts to promote our content and occasionally workshops. Parents also have a hard time adjusting to the sudden absence of physical therapy, so we try our best to give the best guidance we can by providing exercises their kids can do at home,” remarked Yayasan MPATI.
“I have been working from home, but a lot of my clients have also put their events on hold,” said Xiao Pin Pin.
Though when asked about representation of disability in the creative industry, despite all odds, Yayasan MPATI’s response is full of hope. “I believe we’re moving forward. More companies from the creative industry have been reaching out to us to collaborate. They help make workshops to equip the kids with the tools they need to succeed.”
“I feel like the general public has been more open with disability, which is a good start.”