interview
about disability and difference, and
contribute to the elimination of social
injustices based upon prejudice and
stereotypes that diminish human
rights,” she said.
“For a long time, advertising has
represented our society based on a
narrow aesthetic for people that has
excluded so many of us. But while
more diversity in advertising matters
to everyone and especially to groups
that have been marginalised, for
people with disability, the demand to
be seen in advertising is particularly
significant – it is part of a broader
cultural challenge, in response to
a long history of oppression and
devaluation that involved deliberately
segregating and excluding people
with disability from society and
keeping them out of the public eye.
“Inclusive education, like inclusive advertising,
is about shaping the next generation to
understand that people with disability have a
right to equal opportunity and participation in
every area of life."
“Representation in advertising
and media is one way for people with
disability to reclaim their rightful
place, physically and culturally.”
Catia is thrilled Kmart and Target
have embraced inclusive advertising
for over two years and that it is now
‘business as usual’ for the companies.
raise the broader issue of disability show – and they are designed to representation and inclusion in impact our perception of the world be a one-off, box-ticking exercise but
advertising and media and Starting around us and what we value about a broader commitment to inclusive
With Julius was born from there.” it,” she said. imagery and messages that represent
Catia believes the media is a “If advertising didn’t impact on powerful tool in helping all people thinking and behaviour, then it would framework of community diversity,”
be recognised and valued as equal not be the multi-billion-dollar world- Catia said.
citizens, because advertising and the wide industry it is today.”
media are very persuasive.
“Advertising is almost impossible
Catia said inclusion in advertising
disability within the broader
“Ideally, as is the case with those
companies, it is part of a broader
provides a powerful opportunity to corporate commitment to diversity
to avoid and, unlike other media, reframe the way that society thinks and inclusion as corporate values.
there is often little choice about the about disability and difference.
advertisements that we see every day
22
“Inclusive advertising should not
“By representing people with
“We are proud of the work we
have done but we know that there is
– they are there on our social media, disability authentically and inclusively still so much more that we can do.
favourite blog, a web page, before in every area of life, it’s possible to We are continuing to encourage
a movie or during our favourite TV challenge the way that society thinks more brands and building momentum
interview
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