We’re already here, it’s time you realized.

Introduction and Welcome

Welcome to Langara College. We are proud to present an exhibit called “We’re already here, it’s time you realized,” A photo project by photographer and Langara Artist in Residence Tilly Nelson, exploring increasing representation of people with disabilities and visual differences in their place of work.

Thank you for choosing to experience the exhibition via audio description. The exhibit is displayed in the T building of Langara college, a large modern building with glass windows along one side and a big open white space. The exhibit takes place in the middle of the ground floor with 8 temporary wooden walls constructed in a square formation with gaps on each side. As you enter the exhibit, a title page in a black frame is visible on the entrance which reads, “ We’re already here, it’s time you realized. A photo project by photographer and Langara Artist in Residence Tilly Nelson, exploring increasing representation of people with disabilities and visual differences in their place of work.” Next to this sits another frame which reads “Tilly Nelson She/Her. Nelson has worked with people with disabilities from a young age. Working as a commercial photographer she strives for representation and inclusion in her photography. Through her lens, she empowers voices that are often overlooked, capturing each individual with authenticity and respect.” Next to the text is an image of Tilly Nelson, a woman standing up with long brown hair smiling at the camera against a black backdrop.

As you pass the 2 white entrance walls there is blue furniture in the center of the space arranged in a wave shape to lead you around the exhibition.

Image 1 - The Ideas and Inspiration behind the project:

The image displays a two-column layout of a document or presentation with text and images related to the photo project. The document includes notes and arrows and colours.

The left column is titled "1.The idea” and is followed by text in note form.

 “Increasing representation of people with disabilities and visual differences in the workplace. 

Why? I had conversations with casting directors about what role would be authentic for a person with a disability to play. They questioned if a wheelchair user would be in a specific job. Although they didn’t mean harm and they were gently asking the question, I found this ignited a passion in me to create a body of work that challenged this. It led me to question why some people think this. Perhaps it’s a lack of knowledge, a lack of representation? And then it moved to what can I do about this? Could I create a body of work that could change people’s perceptions? What did people with disabilities and visual differences  feel? What do they think, is it something worth talking about?” 

Below this body of text read a note that says “

I Created a form for people to fill out and shared it with different communities that I thought might be interested. Didn’t want it to be my voice, the narrative had to come from people with disabilities/ visual differences.” 

Below this reads a new title: “Some responses:” followed by a list of answers.

• “It sometimes is discouraging because things are harder for me to do than most people.

• Lots of imposter syndrome always but also like an badass.

• People take responsibility to treat me nice there. I always have a buddy assigned with me and the Canucks tailored my job just for me. 

• Mostly it feels really good and empowering, breaking barriers because there are not a lot of people with disabilities in the beauty industry working. 

• Well I think the term ‘workplace’ and even ‘work’ itself are terms that need to be expanded beyond an ableist and capitalist worldview. Our ‘work’ in the world may not be a job, sometimes our work is the labour of caring for ourselves and others, sometimes it’s using our lived experiences to address and improve systemic issues. Sometimes the workplace is a bedroom, a bad, a bathtub, a sidewalk, or a community corner. Our work isn’t always financially compensated for, and although it should be, that doesn’t mean its not valid or important.

• The disabled opera singers of the world may have to keep their disability quiet some of the time, but we are here, making wonderful art already. But it's isolating not to see yourself represented in the images around you.

• I would tell my younger self know that the worry about looking different is not necessary and that instead he should be embracing being different than all the rest. In the future, this will become his strength.

• You can have a job that’s fun and get paid for. I dreamed of this job and got it. 

• That I don’t have to sacrifice my boundaries or authenticity to be a ‘good worker”

Below this is another list with a title : “Summary of responses to base a project off:” followed by a list of notes:

• People are proud to be disabled/ have a visual difference

• It‘s important to be in the workplace as a person with a disability/ visual difference as it  educates others

• People wish people understood things are harder for a person with a disability

• “Work” can also be about self advocating

• It feels empowering to be increasing visibility of people with disabilities within the workplace

• There’s a pressure to appear healthy and not disabled

• There’s the desire to increase disability visability

• “ It’s isolating to not see yourself represented in the images around you.”

• Don’t need to hide the visual difference.”

On the right side of the document the title reads: "2. Inspiration:"

Following this text reads more text in note form. “After finding my why and what, I then looked at work I connected with and other images for inspiration.  I thought back to an image I’d seen in London on a bus shelter once. Always really connected with this image.” The image mentioned in the text is an image of a confident woman in a red swimsuit and orange swim cap who sits on a bench in a locker room, with a towel hung behind her, embodying self-empowerment with the statement "i do this for me" as part of a campaign celebrating personal motivation in sports. 

The text continues below the image and reads;

“Why? I love the message, the eye contact, the subtlety of her lower limbs not being the first thing you see. I like the words and how they make you think as a viewer. I also like how she’s obviously a swimmer but not swimming. You still know that she swims and that makes you think too. 

To the right of the image a list is written in note form titles: “I wanted to use this as my focus for the project;”

The list reads:

• Images that make you look, and then look again.

• People looking straight at the camera with a serious expression.

• Subtlety in showing disability.

• Words from the subjects point of view with power.

• Environmental portraits that aren’t necessarily the person doing the thing they do.

Below the text is a drawing of a question mark with the words: “But what about kids?” written followed by the following words in note form;

“Wouldn’t it be amazing to show kids that anything is possible? What if half of the project was about showing what adults do and half the project was about showing that kids are unstoppable?Because of these ideas, I then created another form for kids to fill out.”

The document includes bullet points, quotes, photographs of individuals, and summary sections, possibly from a report or academic work on disability inclusion in the workplace and the inspiration behind it.

The gallery of the exhibition is split into 8 sections. Each of the 8 framed images has a supporting document to go with it which explains the process of the image. Next to the framed image is a framed document with words written by the person in the image. Each of these are described in separate clips.

Omar

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is of a confident creative professional actor with brown textured hair wearing an open pink shirt, white t shirt and denim pants pausing for a moment of reflection on set, embodying the message: 'you belong in any room you walk into.' The actor has visible vitiligo on his face and arms.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads:

“I firmly believe that our differences are not limitations but rather sources of strength. I often refer to my visual difference as my 'superpower' because it's something unique to me alone. Embracing what makes us different can empower us to stand out and contribute in meaningful ways to the world around us.

I've had an interesting journey because my vitiligo progressed slowly from my early 20s until my late 30s. For much of that time, I was able to hide many of my vitiligo patches under my clothes, but I distinctly remember when my vitiligo began to appear on my face and I couldn’t hide it anymore. That was the beginning of a challenging mental health battle with acceptance of looking different. It made me think a lot about what society considers beautiful and led me to work hard on accepting myself.

Embracing my uniqueness has been an incredibly transformative journey, empowering me in ways I never imagined possible. It allowed me to see the world through a different lens, fostering empathy and understanding for others who may also feel different. Looking back, I wish I had realized the true value of my 'superpower' at a younger age – perhaps it would have saved me a lot of time and effort. Nonetheless, it has allowed me to grow stronger and more resilient, appreciating the power that comes from embracing one's authentic self. I am committed to challenging conventional standards of beauty and advocating for authenticity and diversity in every workplace. I aspire to inspire others, and in turn, their support encourages me to be my authentic self even more. True success happens when we wholeheartedly embrace our individuality.” 

The image of Omar has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Omar. 

The document title reads “Omar -Actor/ Model”

Below the title in note form reads the following text:

“Key points;

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Omar has vitiligo. Vitiligo has a busy pattern so I want the image to be busy so that the Vitiligo isn’t the busiest part of the image. 

• Job - Omar is an actor / model but don’t want the image to be him doing his exact job, so what about backstage/ behind the scenes? 

• Props - An actor probably wouldn’t have much. What about a script? Location - I have access to a pretty plain studio for this one so how can I create that depth? Lots of layers of kit? 

• Clothing - could be relaxed and simple. Jeans and a shirt? Want to show the vitiligo on his arms so maybe sleeve rolled up? 

• Accessibility requirements - none noted.” 

Below this is an image of a document completed by Omar that includes questions and answers. 

“How do you feel about the current representation of people with disabilities and visual differences in the workplace?

Your Full Name: Omar 

Do you identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your disability/ visual difference? I have Vitiligo which is a conditon that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. 

What is your job? We'd like to know a bit about what you do and who your employer is. I have a varied career history. I studied criminology and went on to spend ten years in financial crime prevention, I then cofounded a tech company all while slowly investing in real estate. I now manage a portfolio of properties and do rentals, renovations and house builds. In addition, I also run one of the only Vitiligo support groups in Canada, i am a model and an actor. 

What does it feel like being in your workplace as a person with a disability / a person with a visual difference?I've had an interesting journey because the vitiligo progressed slowly from my early 20's until my late 30's. For the most part of that time, i was able to hide much of my vitiligo patches under my clothes but i distinctly remember when my vitiligo began to appear on my face - that was the beginning of challenging mental health battle with acceptance of looking different. 

Is there anything you want to share about breaking stereotypes within the workplace? Anything you'd want a portrait of you to show? Anything you want to say? I'm all about breaking stereotyopes and pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty. I'd want a portrait of me to show as much of my vitiligo as possible because i think its important to show it and not hide - many people wear makeup to cover their vitiligo. I did once and will never do that again. I want to say that people with vitiligo are beautiful and that they are incredibly powerful in their resilience. 

If you had the chance to show your younger self where you work now and what you do, what would you want to show them? I'd want to show him that he didnt need to worry so much about looking different. He worried so much that his mental health was affected for years - i would let him know that the worry about looking different is not neccesary and that instead he should be embracing being different than all the rest. In the future, this will become his strength. “

Next to the document completed by Omar is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Omar sitting on a stool in a studio setting appearing to look like an Actor backstage in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the image framed next to the supporting work.

Kaitlyn S

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is a  determined professional woman with black hair wearing a black top with a maroon cardigan on sits at a meeting table, asserting her rightful place in the business world, with the empowering caption "I deserve a seat at the table.’ The woman has an IV tube that attaches to her chest with a bandage over the top. The IV connects to a white pump that sits on the table next to her.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads:

“Lots of places still think disability is a bad word or that they're not allowed to discuss it. My way of setting the stage for a more accessible future is about showing up as my authentic self. That could be clearly displaying my pump and tubes in public, being up-front about my lung disease to someone new, or advocating for differences across the board. I believe that there is no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed. It's time to change the game because I deserve a seat at the table.”

The image of Kaitlyn has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Kaitlyn.  The document title reads “Kaitlyn -Documents & Funding specialist.” Below the title in note form reads the following text:

“Key points;

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Kaitlyn has pulmonary hypertension that means she has a visible medical pump and IV. 

• Job - Kaitlyn is a documents and funding specialist so we could show her at a desk with papers around her.

• Props -  Desk items blurred in the foreground. Want lots of things on the table with her pump so that her pump isn’t the first thing you notice. Her form mentions coffee so maybe a coffee too.

• Location - Have access to the T building on campus so I can look for a desk space with glass in the background to mimic a modern office.

• Clothing -  Must not fully cover her IV so looking for a top with either the top of her chest showing or perhaps with buttons?

• Accessibility requirements - No or few stairs so need step-free access location. Changes her medicine at 10am, takes 5 minutes so would need to pause shoot if shoot is in the morning. Doesn’t need a private place to do this.”

Below this is an image of a document completed by Kaitlyn that includes questions and answers. 

Your Full Name: Kaitlyn

Do you identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your disability/ visual difference? Pulmonary hypertension / visible medical pump and IV

What is your job? I'm a Documents and Funding Specialist at a financing company downtown. I prepare contracts for loans and communicate with clinics when we've sent funds, I also do collections for them. 

We'd like to know a bit about what you do and who your employer is: I'm well known in my work place for changing my medicine cartridge at 10am every day I'm there. At any workplace, im always up front about my medical situation/needs bc it's my way of creating awareness and teaching companies about accommodation needs. 

What does it feel like being in your workplace as a person with a disability / a person with a visual difference? I'm well known in my work place for changing my medicine cartridge at 10am every day I'm there. At any workplace, im always up front about my medical situation/needs bc it's my way of creating awareness and teaching companies about accommodation needs.

Is there anything you want to share about breaking stereotypes within the workplace? Anything you'd want a portrait of you to show? Anything you want to say? Lots of places still think disability is a bad word, or that they're not allowed to discuss it bc some people are more private, but my personal view is that it's something to be celebrated about what we *can* do, so I always try to gently remind them ways that I'm different (especially when they're having water cooler convos about exercise and what not), and they ask me do you like marathons and such (which I obviously can't do!) but they'll only know if I speak up for myself. :)

If you had the chance to show your younger self where you work now and what you do, what would you want to show them? I'd show them that you can be successful and beautiful and mainstream, despite feeling different from my peers, there's different ways to achieve those things. 

Next to the document completed by Kaitlyn is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Kaitlyn sitting at a desk l in an office setting in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Breanna

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is a make up artist with long brown hair wearing a black stylish top reflecting confidence during a studio photo shoot. Under the warm glow of spotlights, with the encouraging caption "i'm in this space so you know you can be too.’ The make up artist holds a make up brush in her hand. The make up artist sits in a power wheelchair next to a model who is wearing a maroon coloured top facing the make up artist.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads: 

“As long as I can remember I always wanted to be a makeup artist. The first time I had my make-up done I felt empowered and beautiful. It brought me confidence I didn’t know I had. After that I practiced and practiced and taught myself using YouTube. 

As I grew older I knew this was something I wanted to do as a career but I was scared because I had never seen anyone that I knew in the beauty industry with a disability. I worked hard, went to makeup school, got certified, had my own studio so clients could come to me, applied to Sephora and got hired.  A few years later I moved to BC, went to college for make-up and then started a job at Mac. Mac said I was the first ever person with a physical disability to be hired. 

There was a moment whilst working there that I’ll never forget. A little girl in a wheelchair with light up wheels approached me with her mom and she said, “look mom she works here! That means I can work here too!” And that’s what made all the hard work worth it. It’s hard to go after dreams if you don’t have role models in your industry that look like you. I’m in this space so others know they can be too.”

The image of Breanna has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Breanna. 

The document title reads “Breanna - Make-Up Artist” Below the title in note form reads the following text:

“ Key points:

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Breanna has Spina bifida and scoliosis and is a wheelchair user. I want to make sure I show the wheelchair but also cover it slightly so it’s not the main thing you see. Also need to make sure camera height is eye level for Breanna.

• Job - Breanna is a Make-Up Artist so it would be good to do a behind the scenes style image of Breanna doing touch-ups on set. 

• Props - Make up brushes in some sort of bag so they are all very visible. Perhaps some spray in the air or some powder or a make-up pallet?

• Location - I have access to a studio space so maybe I can add props and gels to make it look like a film set?

• Clothing - Aiming for black as if she’s on a job and then also nothing distracting for the image.

• Accessibility requirements - Wheelchair user so need step-free access and no obstructions in the studio. 

Below this is an image of a document completed by Breanna that includes questions and answers. 

Your Full Name: Breanna

Do you identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your disability/ visual difference? Spina bifida and scoliosis 

What is your job? We'd like to know a bit about what you do and who your employer is: I am a makeup artist at Mac and I also do freelance in my free time I love makeup and how it impacts people 

What does it feel like being in your workplace as a person with a disability / a person with a visual difference? Mostly it feels really good and empowering, breaking barriers because there not a lot of people with disabilities in the beauty industry working. It feels really good when another person that has a disability sees you. I want others to show up in the workforce so it can be the new normal 

Is there anything you want to share about breaking stereotypes within the workplace? Anything you'd want a portrait of you to show? Anything you want to say? It feels really good breaking stereotypes, and empowering showing up breaking barriers changing the work place to be a little more conscious and change the work environment to be more accessible. It’s a more comfortable space for others with disabilities 

If you had the chance to show your younger self where you work now and what you do, what would you want to show them? I would think I’m the coolest I remember as a little girl I would go into Mac and Sephora see the girls there with pretty makeup and they just look confident in themselves but I never seen anyone in a wheelchair so I would want to show them if you want to work there just go and work there show up and show out. Be confident. One time I was working and a little girl and her mom came shopping the little girl was in a chair and her whole face lit up when she saw I was in a chair.

Next to the document completed by Breanna is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Breanna doing a models make up in a film studio setting  in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Robin

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is an elegant performer with brown hair in a golden embroidered gown takes a moment backstage, poised with a microphone and a reflective gaze, before stepping into the spotlight. The performer holds a walking stick covered in black sparkles in her left hand and leans on it for support. The image has text over the top reading ‘ We’re already here, it’s time you realized.’

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads: 

“Opera is a very traditional industry and can be slow to change. The pressure to appear nondisabled, to appear healthy, in a world so focused on your body being your instrument is immense. If I hadn't found (and admittedly partially created) a space for myself in my operatic community where it was safe for me to "come out" as disabled without losing income, jobs, and contracts, I would maybe never have started using the cane that I so clearly needed to be using much earlier. 

It's isolating not to see yourself represented in the images around you, and I have heard from so many disabled singers that they thought they were alone in this. But we're not. We’re already here, and it’s time you realized it.

In fact we’ve always been here, we’ve always been a vital part of this artistic community, making wonderful art in the face of such extreme inaccessibility and ableism. So many of us have actually had to hide our disabled identities because of this pervasive, industry-wide belief that disabled people “couldn’t possibly do this job." Yet when roughly 22% of the population in Canada are disabled, how can anyone expect that disabled folks aren’t in every art form, in every space, and on stages around the world?

I’m here, loudly and proudly disabled in the opera world, so that hopefully in the future, others can be, too.”

The image of Robin has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Robin. The document title reads “Robin - Opera Singer”

Below the title in note form reads the following text:

Key points

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Uses a walking stick to get around, also wears splints to support hands. Want to show the cane but perhaps the image doesn’t need to be full length. Also have a hand on the cane visible so can show the hand splints. 

• Job - Opera Singer. Could do something backstage showing a theatre in the background with stage lighting. Could have her standing by a curtain ready to go on.

• Props - Microphone to show she’s a singer.

• Location - Langara has multiple lecture theatres so see which one might be most suitable.

• Clothing - Big opera dress that is dramatic but not distracting.

• Accessibility requirements - Few stairs or step free access. Also needs a place to sit down between images. Also need to allow for breaks as tires easily. 

Below this is an image of a document completed by Robin that includes questions and answers.

Your Full Name: Robin

Do you identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your disability/ visual difference? I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. I use a walking stick to help me get around; I also wear ring splints to support my hands.

What is your job? We'd like to know a bit about what you do and who your employer is: I am an opera singer! I also teach singing to the next generation of singers of all genres, from opera to rock and roll.

What does it feel like being in your workplace as a person with a disability / a person with a visual difference? Opera is a very traditional industry, and can be slow to update, open up, make change - and to become more accessible. The pressure to appear nondisabled, to appear healthy, in a world so focused on your body being your instrument and it needing to be in top shape, is immense. If I hadn't found (and admittedly partially created) a space for myself in my operatic community where it was safe for me to "come out" as disabled without losing income, jobs, and contracts, I would maybe never have started using the cane that I so clearly needed to be using much earlier. Thankfully, the places where I work, sing, and create ARE accessible for me, and the places that may be biased against me because I use a mobility aid... well, it's their loss, not mine! 

As a voice teacher, I've had to teach differently than maybe some other teachers do. I can't sit at a piano bench all day due to pain and partial dislocations of my joints - I sit in a gamer's chair, complete with footrest, and when I stand to demonstrate something I use my cane. I don't teach in-person, because having to go to someone's house or an outside studio takes so much more out of me than teaching remotely from my home. Before the pandemic, the idea of remote teaching within the music education community was shocking - people thought I would inherently be giving inferior training just by not being able to be in the room, live, with my students. But the pandemic - and the obvious evidence of my students thriving - has changed that somewhat. Because that's the other thing, too: being a disabled teacher makes me a better match for disabled students! At this point, around half of my students are disabled and/or chronically ill, like me, and they may have struggled with the pressures to conform to nondisabled teacher's ideas of how a student "should" learn. Because I come with lived experience of being a chronically ill singer, I'm better able to make change to my teaching models on the fly, reimagine my teaching for individual bodies' needs, and therefore to be a part of making more space for disabled bodies in music in the future. 

Is there anything you want to share about breaking stereotypes within the workplace?Disability visibility and accessibility, in both opera and classical music education, is such a new concept for these fields that pretty much any image of a singer or teacher simply doing their job while disabled would mean so much. The disabled opera singers of the world may have to keep their disability quiet some of the time, but we are here, making wonderful art already. But it's isolating not to see yourself represented in the images around you, and so many disabled singers DM me privately, telling me "I thought I was alone in this!".  But we're not. So I guess all I would want is to see classical musicianship represented in a visibly disabled way. 

If you had the chance to show your younger self where you work now and what you do, what would you want to show them?My younger self wouldn't have known I would be disabled. While I've always had this condition, the joint damage and laxity worsens over time, and when I was a kid, I thought my body was perfectly healthy and normal! I guess what I would want my childhood self to know is that becoming disabled is not inherently a tragedy. My life is not terrible or sad. I'm able to make art joyfully, in the ways that work for me, and that while younger-me's mental image of what my career would have looked like by this age may not be exactly what I'm doing, it's still a beautiful, wonderful, fulfilling way to make my art. :) 

Next to the document completed by Robin is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Robin doing standing backstage in a theater setting  in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Zoe

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is an image of a  young artist with brown hair wearing a pink t shirt, jeans and an art apron intently paints on a canvas which sits on an easel, surrounded by her creative artist space, embodying determination and the message "I will be anything I want to". The artist sits forward in a wheelchair with one foot on the floor and her paint pallet on her knee.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads:

“My name is Zoe and one of my dreams is to be an artist when I grow up. I want to be an artist because drawing is a fun and productive activity and it’s amazing how much I’ve progressed over the years. Art has always been one of my favorite projects for many years, and I want to keep doing it as I grow older.

To our amazing Zoe,

Always remember that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. Whatever career you decide to pursue when you’re older, our hope is that you are passionate and happy while performing your chosen profession. We will fully support you no matter what and will always help you advocate for your needs.  

We're so proud of you, baby! You got this!

Love always, Mom & Dad”

The image of Zoe has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Zoe.  The document title reads “Zoe- Wants to be an Artist”

Below the title in note form reads the following text:

“Key points

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Zoe has Bethlem Myopathy and is an ambulatory wheelchair user. I feel like that isn’t shown that much so it would be interesting to have her sitting in her chair but perhaps leaning forward so her weight is on her legs. Want to have a busy scene so that her chair isn’t the focus and we can place objects in front of it so there’s a soft blur over a wheel.

• Future Job - Artist. I have access to some art studios so could create a scene where she’s painting amongst lots of easels.

• Props - Paints, an apron, an easel.

• Location - Art studios. Ideally with a window so we can create some natural looking sunlight.”

• Clothing -  Casual clothing with an apron. Not black pants so that her legs are visible against the black of the wheelchair.

• Accessibility requirements - Needs step free access and access to a chair or her wheelchair if we do a standing image. 

Below this is an image of a document completed by Zoe that includes questions and answers.

Kids Full Name: Zoe

Kids Age: 11 

Does your child identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your childs disability/ visual difference? Bethlem myopathy (muscular dystrophy). Zoe is ambulatory, but requires a wheelchair for long distances or when her legs are tired. She also wears AFO foot braces and knee pads. The knee pads can be removed for the photos. 

What is your dream job/ what would you like to be when you're older? An actor or artist

We'd love to create these portraits within a space that looks like the workplace the children would like to work, what would that look like? A movie studio (actor) or a studio (artist)

Next to the document completed by Zoe is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Zoe sitting in an art studio setting in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Kaitlyn M

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is an image of A young dedicated healthcare worker with very light brown hair wearing maroon medical scrubs attentively prepares a hospital bed, embodying compassion and skill in a clinical setting. The image has text over the top reading ‘watch me care for you like others cared for me.’ The young healthcare worker has down syndrome.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads:

“We didn’t know ahead of time that Kaitlyn was going to be born with Down Syndrome (and some other health challenges). She spent the first 6+ weeks of her life at BC Children’s Hospital. We are very grateful for the medical care that she received, but also the support that we were provided as a family. 

Kaitlyn is now 13. We still go to Children’s Hospital for specialist appointments and occasional surgeries. Kaitlyn’s last surgery was in September. As we were leaving the hospital she said “I’m going to be a nurse when I’m a grown up”! And we replied ‘YES YOU CAN’, no limits. Kaitlyn said she would like to be a nurse so she can help people to get better and feel happy again.

Dear Kaitlyn,

You have already accomplished so many amazing things in just 13 years. From the time you were born, you have shown us just how strong, smart & sassy you are. We can’t wait to see what else you accomplish and watch you care for others in hospital like people have cared for you.

Remember, ‘adventure is out there’ and YES YOU CAN! 

Love you to the sun, moon & stars

Mom, Dad & Niko”

The image of Kaitlyn has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Kaitlyn. The document title reads “Kaitlyn - wants to be a Nurse or Doctor”

Below the title in note form reads the following text:

Key points

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Kaitlyn has down syndrome. Based on experience I’ll aim to have a smaller crew and a quieter space so Kaitlyn has time to warm up in a safe calm environment. 

• Future Job - Nurse/ Doctor. Based on the form saying she likes to help people I’d also like the image to show her helping someone else in a very subtle way. Maybe a hand on them? 

• Props - Medical scrubs and medical equipment in foreground and background.

• Location - Nursing department. Looking for a small area where we can be quiet and calm for Kaitlyn. Would ideally like a hospital bed.

• Clothing -  Nursing scrubs.

• Accessibility requirements - Nothing specific noted but from experience I know to have a calm and gentle environment with no rush. And as mum mentioned, maybe a few jokes!

Below this is an image of a document completed by Kaitlyn that includes questions and answers.

Kids Full Name : Kaitlyn

Kids Age: 13

Does your child identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference?  Yes

What is your childs disability/ visual difference?  Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21

What is your dream job/ what would you like to be when you're older? A nurse or doctor. I like helping people and when my Grandpa was sick in hospice, I like helping him to eat ice cream and food and drink and tuck him in nicely for bed and I’m a good helper 

We'd love to create these portraits within a space that looks like the workplace the children would like to work, what would that look like? Probably with a bed/blankets and nursing area with a few things like gloves or stethoscopes, maybe a food tray with food/drink and a nurse jacket or shirt 

Next to the document completed by Kaitlyn is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Kaitlyn sitting at a hospital bed in a office hospital setting in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Finn

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is an image of a young ballet dancer with short blonde hair sits thoughtfully in the locker room wearing a tight white ballet top, ballet tights and ballet shoes. The dancer is poised and ready, with a caption reading: "anything is possible when i'm on stage. The dancer has a port wine stain birthmark across his left side of his face.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads

“When I grow up I aspire to be a professional ballet dancer. Dancing is a form of expression for me and I love to challenge myself. I know that anything is possible when I’m on stage.

Dear Finn,

I always want you to know your birthmark is just one of the things that makes you unique. I love that you are breaking down barriers being one of just a handful of local male ballet dancers and the only one with a facial birthmark. 

Continue to chase your dreams and fill your life full of joy. You know I will always continue to be deeply proud of you.

Love always, Mom”

The image of Finn has supporting work that is displayed like a brochure featuring a profile of Finn. 

The document title reads “Finn - wants to be a ballet dancer” Below the title in note form reads the following text:

Key points

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Port wine stain birthmark. This means we must have him looking to the left of the image so that we can see this.

• Future Job - Ballet Dancer. Thinking back to how I don’t want it to be the subject doing their profession, what about warming up or getting ready? A changing room? Must show his ballet shoes in the image so it’s clear.

• Props - Ballet shoes. A bag of items that would be in a changing room. Perhaps a towel?

• Location - Changing room or dance studio. Found a changing room with lockers we could use as the background.

• Clothing - Ballet practice outfit. Nothing too busy so it doesn’t distract. Touch of pink in the background to match the port wine stain?”

• Accessibility requirements - None noted.

Below this is an image of a document completed by Finn that includes questions and answers.

Kids Full Name : Finn

Kids Age: 12

Does your child identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference? Yes

What is your childs disability/ visual difference? left sided facial port wine stain birthmark 

What is your dream job/ what would you like to be when you're older? Professional ballet dancer. 

We'd love to create these portraits within a space that looks like the workplace the children would like to work, what would that look like? Dance studio or stage. 

Next to the document completed by Finn is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Finn sitting on a bench in a locker room setting in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Anya

The framed main image which is hung on a white wall with a black frame is an image of a young girl with black hair in a suit confidently standing in front of a news camera. The girl looks as if she is ready to make her voice heard, with a caption reading:  "i won't hold back because i belong here.” Th girl has a limb difference and was born with one hand.

Next to the framed image is some text framed in a black frame that reads

“I want to be someone who tells news to other people, which is also telling people stuff they should know. And also work on TV and see myself on TV, which would make me feel so happy.

Dear Anya,

I know how frustrated you feel about not seeing people who look like you on TV, whether it be cartoons, movies or even the newscast. I can see your excitement when you see someone with a limb difference, but often they are in the background and we have to look for them. I suspect you will contribute to an increase in limb difference visibility...I don't know how or when, but I cannot wait to watch you do it. Don’t hold back, because you belong there.

Love, Mom”

The document title reads “Anya - wants to be a News Reporter” Below the title in note form reads the following text:

Key points

• Disability/ Visual Difference - Limb difference, born with one hand. Play with Anya holding a prop with both arms and see how she feels about it. 

• Future Job - News Reporter. Could do it as if she’s on a job and pausing to look at me. Have a film camera in foreground.

• Props - Microphone?

• Location - Looking for a big open space as if she’s reporting from a building?

• Clothing - Suit with one sleeve adjusted to fit her limb difference.

• Accessibility requirements - None noted but be aware of accessible doorways and washroom.”

Below this is an image of a document completed by Anya that includes questions and answers.

Kids Full Name : Anya

Kids Age: 7.5

Does your child identify as a person with a disability/ visual difference?  Yes

What is your childs disability/ visual difference? Limb difference - born with one hand

What is your dream job/ what would you like to be when you're older? a news reporter like Mi Jung Lee or weather reporter like Anne Liu from CTV

We'd love to create these portraits within a space that looks like the workplace the children would like to work, what would that look like? Sitting at a desk with some papers and a laptop and looking at the camera" or standing in front of a big screen with a pointer stick to point where I am talking about.

Next to the document completed by Anya is a sketch showing how the image was photographed with icons including where the lights were positioned, what props were included. These are displayed with black and grey icons.

Below the document and sketch is a series of images of Anya standing in front of a news camera in a variety of poses. The images are variations of the main image framed next to the supporting work.

Conclusion:

We’ve come to the end of the 8 image series that explores increasing representation of people with disabilities and visual differences in their place of work. We hope that you have enjoyed the exhibition.