The first session in the Disability Narrative Workshop Series introduces core tools from Fix the Frame: A Newsroom Guide to Disability Narratives and helps participants strengthen disability coverage at the story-development stage. This practical workshop focuses on how framing choices shape accuracy, accountability, and public understanding. Participants will learn how to identify common narrative pitfalls and rework stories toward systems, stakes, and stronger reporting.

What will be covered:

• Introduction to core “story engine” tools from Fix the Frame
• How to write stronger subject sentences
• How to name mechanisms clearly and accurately in disability stories
• How to identify “drift” when stories slide into inspiration or pity framing
• Practical strategies for reframing stories toward systems, stakes, and accountability
• Guided exercises to help participants apply these tools in newsroom workflows

Speaker Bio
Russell Midori is the board chair of Military Veterans in Journalism and a board member of both the Disabled Journalists Association and the Overseas Press Club Foundation. He is a Marine Corps veteran with a background in visual storytelling and news production. He works as a news photographer/editor in New York City and served as a military combat correspondent and public affairs storyteller during his service. He also teaches technical video editing and field production at City College of New York.