Towards Inclusive Avatars: Disability Representation in Avatar Platforms

TLDR

Digital avatars are key to identity representation, yet little research examines how to depict disability. The study explores how avatars can support disability identity representation through their customizable, non‑realistic format. The authors conducted interviews with 18 people with disabilities and related identities to gather experiences and preferences about avatar representation. Participants preferred to display disability identities in avatars when contexts were safe and platforms enabled expression, used avatars strategically to signal abilities and needs, found them more accessible than alternatives, and the study offers design recommendations to better support such representation.

Abstract

Digital avatars are an important part of identity representation, but there is little work on understanding how to represent disability. We interviewed 18 people with disabilities and related identities about their experiences and preferences in representing their identities with avatars. Participants generally preferred to represent their disability identity if the context felt safe and platforms supported their expression, as it was important for feeling authentically represented. They also utilized avatars in strategic ways: as a means to signal and disclose current abilities, access needs, and to raise awareness. Some participants even found avatars to be a more accessible way to communicate than alternatives. We discuss how avatars can support disability identity representation because of their easily customizable format that is not strictly tied to reality. We conclude with design recommendations for creating platforms that better support people in representing their disability and other minoritized identities.