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Do you think disabled people’s stories are heard?

28th November - 05th December 2025

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53756

Total votes

10841

5-11 votes

42915

11-16+ votes

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), young people discussed the importance of representation and listening to the experiences of Disabled people. The lessons explored examples of representation in popular culture, such as the role of Nessarose in Wicked and the actor who plays her, Marissa Bode. While her character is a wheelchair user, Bode is the first Disabled actor to be cast in the role since the stage show launched in 2003. Students learned about the importance of informed representation, particularly through the use of Disabled People’s Organisations, before debating whether Disabled people’s stories are visible, well-told and prominent enough. Thank you to Disability Rights UK for their input with this topic’s lessons.

All ages discussed the question, “Do you think disabled people’s stories are heard?”

53,756 young people voted on this topic.

Age 5-11 voter

I don't think all Disabled people's stories are heard, only celebrities or popular people's stories are heard, whereas children should have the chance to speak out to the world.

Age 11-16 voter

Age 11-16 voter

Social media helps Disabled people to have more of a voice, but it also opens the door to potential bullying online.

Age 11-16 voter

Age 11-16 voter

Their stories are not heard enough. We need to hear from them not other people telling their stories.

57.5% of Primary and Secondary students said Disabled people's stories aren't heard.

  • All students discussed the same question for this VoteTopic: "Do you think disabled people’s stories are heard?"
  • It was asked to mark International Day of Person's with Disabilities.
  • 57.5% of Primary pupils and Secondary students voted 'No'.
54% of College students agreed, with many arguing that representation is often limited to celebrities and well-known figures.

  • College & 16+ students also had a majority 'No' outcome, albeit slightly slimmer.
  • Students of all ages said they wanted to see more 'ordinary' people share their stories of disability.
  • The Paralympics was given as a brilliant example of disability representation.
Social media was divisive, with some saying it provides a platform for everyday people and others concerned that it leads to a greater risk of bullying and abuse.

  • Social media divided voters, as some said it provides a platform for anyone with an account. However others said it doesn't have safeguards in place to protect people from harassment.
  • A common argument from 'No' voters was that, whilst Disabled people's stories are shared, most non-disabled people don't engage with them; they're shared but not heard.