Abstract:
Introduction: Arguably, language has the power to formulate, promote, uphold or deter
stereotypes. Politically, this year was significant in its representation of persons with
disabilities within the electoral system. Within this historic context, there were references
made to persons with disabilities with the political speeches by politicians of the main
political parties.
Aim:To evaluate the representation of persons with disabilities within selected political
speeches of the past year in newspapers and on television.
Methods: A representative sample of speeches from the main political parties were reviewed
with reference to the representation of persons with disabilities. A conceptual and linguistics
analysis was undertaken.
Results:The results indicate the use of references to persons with disabilities to evoke
humour, in derogatory terms and to propagate negative stereotypes r as objects of pity.
