Why disability representation in ads is still stuck at 3% (with Frank Starling from LIONS)

Only 3 percent of ads tested feature someone with a visible or invisible disability — and that number has barely moved in years. Frank Starling, chief DEI officer at LIONS (the organization behind Cannes Lions) joins Nathan Friedman to unpack the state of inclusion work in advertising and marketing and what it will take to close existing gaps.

Frank discusses findings from a joint report with LIONS, Understood.org, the Unstereotype Alliance, and Shift 20 on disability and neurodiversity in marketing. Frank also shares why co-design with underrepresented communities is essential to authentic storytelling, and why brands should narrow their DEI focus in order to drive real commercial and cultural impact.

Check out the report: Shifting the Narrative on Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion in Marketing

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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