The Global Disability News Network Launches January 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

The Global Disability News Network Launches January 20, 2026 to Deliver Accessible, Community-Driven Disability Journalism Worldwide

[Fort Worth, Texas] — [January 20, 2026] — The Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment (GADIM) today announced the launch of The Global Disability News Network (TGDNN) at GlobalDisabilityNews.org. TGDNN is a collaborative, community-driven platform dedicated to reporting the news that matters most to the global disability community.

TGDNN is run by and for disabled people and their allies, with reporting grounded in lived experience, authenticity, and a commitment to disability justice. The network aims to amplify diverse voices, highlight urgent conversations, and connect disability communities across borders through accessible, accurate, inclusive, and multimedia journalism.

“Disability is too often missing from mainstream news agendas—or reduced to a narrow set of stories,” said Karina Sturm, News Director of TGDNN. “TGDNN expands that coverage by working with disability organizations and community experts across borders.” 

TGDNN will cover a wide range of beats, including Art; Culture & Media; Health & Caregiving; Human Rights & Justice; Lifestyle; Politics & Policy; Science & Tech; Society & Social Justice; Sport; Travel & Leisure; Work & Economy; and Youth.

Initial collaborations include the Disabled Journalist Association (DJA), Props No More, Chronic Pain Partners, and Die Neue Norm (Germany), with more partnerships in development. Early examples of TGDNN reporting include features on disabled people creating access in daily life, the future of disability and debates on prenatal screenings, and an interview with documentary producer Donna Sullivan on medical kidnapping.

“TGDNN is designed as a collaboration-first newsroom,” said Leah Smith, Director of Communications & Media Relations for TGDNN. “We’re building a platform where disabled audiences can reliably find coverage that reflects their realities—and where partners can contribute stories that strengthen global connection and shared action.”

TGDNN is powered by GADIM, the Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment. GADIM is a global initiative that was founded in 2016 to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Created to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mass media, GADIM focuses on how news and entertainment media can advance the human rights of persons with disabilities by challenging stereotypes, combating ableism, and removing barriers.

Beth Haller, Co-Director of GADIM, said: “TGDNN builds a truly global exchange of stories and strategies. We’re committed to making our content accessible so it can reach as many people as possible, including disabled audiences who are too often excluded by design. And we hope that modeling accessible publishing helps raise expectations across the media sector—because removing barriers is part of the work.”

Starting today, readers can visit The Global Disability News Network at www.GlobalDisabilityNews.org. 

About The Global Disability News Network (TGDNN)

The Global Disability News Network is a fully accessible, multimedia platform sharing authentic stories about disability from around the world. Our content—created by disabled professionals and allies—highlights diverse perspectives and collaborative storytelling powered by GADIM. Visit our site at GlobalDisabilityNews.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube @GlobalDisabilityNews.

About GADIM

GADIM (Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment) is a global initiative founded in 2016 to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). GADIM focuses on how news and entertainment media can advance disability rights by challenging stereotypes, combating ableism, and removing barriers. Learn more at GADIM.org. 

Media Contacts

Leah Smith
Director of Communications & Media Relations, TGDNN
Email: lsmith@globaldisabilitynews.org

Karina Sturm
News Director, TGDNN
Email: karina@globaldisabilitynews.org 

Website: globaldisabilitynews.org 

Official name: The Global Disability News Network

Short social line: Authentic disability stories — by disabled journalists & allies. Accessible. Global. Multimedia. Powered by GADIM. Launch: January 2026.