Leah Smith on the Vision Behind Props No More

Props No More is a project of the Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment (GADIM). Props No More envisions a world in which disabled people are not only represented in the media but have a seat at the table in every aspect of media creation. For far too long, people with disabilities have been used as props in storytelling. Disabled characters often exist solely to support the emotional journey, moral growth, or redemption arc of nondisabled characters—rather than being portrayed as full, complex individuals with agency and purpose of their own. This practice reduces disabled people to symbolic roles instead of portraying them as fully realized human beings. Props No More seeks to end this pattern by promoting authentic disability representation, offering media skills training, and advancing accessibility in all forms of media. Props No More is also producing a feature-length documentary! This film will feature disabled media makers from across the globe. The film is currently in post-production. Website: https://propsnomore.org/