A new paper from the Ruderman Family Foundation shows that while things may be getting better, its happening very slowly.

There is Atypical, on Netflix, a coming-of-age comedy that features young adults on the autism spectrum, and This Close, on Sundance Now, about besties who are deaf. Both shows are part of a gradual trend toward the authentic casting of characters with disabilities. But according to new research, they also are anomalies.

A new white paper from the Ruderman Family Foundation reports that some 80% of all disabled characters on the small screen are portrayed by nondisabled actors. The imbalance is an indication, the reports sponsors say, that efforts to diversify Hollywood are far from inclusive. And even with examples of authentic casting on Atypical, the lead character, who is autistic, is played by an actor who is not.

We wouldnt accept it with other minorities, said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which published the report. But with disability, it is still routinely accepted. And thats wrong.

The research, covering about 280 network and streaming shows from 2018, found that roughly half featured characters with physical, cognitive or mental health disabilities. Yet, the report said, even where disability is present in television and films, it is almost always portrayed as an undesired, depressing and limiting state.

There were signs of shifts. Of the top 10 Nielsen-rated shows from 2016, just 5% of disabled characters were played by disabled performers. In 2018, that figure jumped to 12%.

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For the disabled in Hollywood, report finds hints of progress - The Columbus Dispatch