Disability Representation and Ethics in Advertising Education

This article examines how disability representation can serve as a powerful framework for teaching ethics in advertising education. Drawing on scholarship in advertising, media studies, and disability studies, it analyzes persistent representational patterns including pity-based appeals, inspiration narratives, tokenism, and more inclusive approaches. Through five detailed case studies, the article explores the ethical tensions surrounding disability portrayals in charity advertising, brand storytelling, social impact campaigns, and corporate inclusion efforts. It argues that disability representation should be integrated across the advertising curriculum rather than confined to standalone ethics courses. The article outlines pedagogical strategies for incorporating these issues into creative, strategy, media, research, and capstone courses while emphasizing critical reflexivity, ethical reasoning, and inclusive design. By moving students from critique to creation, the framework encourages future advertising professionals to develop campaigns that prioritize dignity, authenticity, accessibility, and social responsibility while contributing to a more inclusive advertising industry.