We’re already here, it’s time you realized.
A body of work photographed by Tilly Nelson that amplifies the voices of the disabled community.
The project began by asking over 50 people with disabilities about how they felt about representation. We asked questions such “What is it like to be a person with a disability in the workplace,” “do you feel like you are represented in the images around you,” “what would you want to say if given the space to share your thoughts,” “what do you wish you’d seen when growing up.”
The response was overwhelming. The underlying message was that people with disabilities are already in the spaces and places of work just the majority of people don’t yet realise it. This then shaped the project to show individuals with disabilities or visual differences within their places of work whilst also exploring what kids with disabilities want to be.
These images sit alongside words from the individuals involved so that the narrative remains with the people with disabilities. Below sits the series of 8 images and we encourage you to read what each of them has to say.
This project was only possible because of the support of Langara College. The exhibition ran from April 5th to 22nd and was featured in Capture Festival 2024.
“Tilly’s work is incredible and moving. Every image touched my heart. I encourage all of you to take the time this week to visit the exhibit... The exhibit shows her passion and love for her work, and tells the story of people. It is innovative and creative and is also a wonderful example of how our students can receive extraordinary experiential learning.”
P. Burns, President and CEO at Langara College
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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.
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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.
Remember, you belong in every room you walk into.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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