In its count, GLAAD included characters who would be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes people living with non-apparent disabilities such as cancer or HIV and AIDS.
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Broadcast representation of characters with disabilities in the U.S. 2010-2022
In the United States, the share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV increased from the 2010-11 season to the 2020-21 season. However, it fell in the 2021-22, when 2.8 percent of characters season were disabled, down from 3.5 percent in the previous season.
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GLAAD. (February 17, 2022). Share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV from the 2010-11 season to the 2021-22 season [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 22, 2026, from /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/
GLAAD. "Share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV from the 2010-11 season to the 2021-22 season." Chart. February 17, 2022. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 22, 2026. /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/
GLAAD. (2022). Share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV from the 2010-11 season to the 2021-22 season. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2026. /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/
GLAAD. "Share of Characters with Disabilities on Broadcast Tv from The 2010-11 Season to The 2021-22 Season." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 17 Feb 2022, /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/
GLAAD, Share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV from the 2010-11 season to the 2021-22 season ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/ (last visited July 22, 2026)
Share of characters with disabilities on broadcast TV from the 2010-11 season to the 2021-22 season [Graph], GLAAD, February 17, 2022. [Online]. Available: /statistics/698132/tv-characters-with-disabilities/
