By Tiffany Goodwein

Art marks International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities

Dec 3, 2019 | 4:47 PM

Art has no barriers. That sentiment is on display at Independent Living Vernon, where artist drawings, paintings and photographs border the walls as part of an art show for International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities.

For 25-year-old Rob Hickman, putting pencil to paper and adding colour to creations is a part of every-day life. At age eight, Hickman was diagnosed with epilepsy, a central nervous system disorder that causes seizures. He told Vernon Matters that aside from art being one of his favorite things to do, it also allows him to cope and socialize.

“It helps increase my mood, gives me something to do with my time. I like to show others my art,” he said.

His artistic endeavors over the years led to a passion for drawing cartoons.

“With my cartoons I like to turn objects into funny pictures like with facial features that humans have,” Hickman said.

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The event was organized by Crystal Williams a youth outreach worker at Independent Living Vernon.

Williams knows firsthand what it is like living with a disability. At age 17 she was involved in a car accident outside of Lumby in 2000 that left her with a long-term brain injury.

“My balance is very impacted and so I have to use a cane now for walking and also the right side of me has lost some feelings, it’s a challenge. But every challenge is met with trying to overcome it and keep going,” Williams said.

Having lived with a disability for over 15 years, Williams said there are many misconceptions that exist surrounding people with disabilities.

“One of the great misconceptions is that people with disabilities may be lazy, or they just can’t do things, but in reality people with disabilities can do awesome things just like everybody else can do things and sure there may be some barriers or some things holding them back but with help and assistance those little hiccups can be overcome.”

And Williams is living proof that people with disabilities can accomplish anything. Despite a brain injury, she graduated with a university degree and now has a career as a registered social worker.

The UN proclaimed Dec. 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992. According to their website the day aims “to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.”

While many strides have been made over the years to foster inclusivity and increase accessibility, challenges still exist in the city of Vernon according to Williams,

“There are accessibility issues specifically around downtown and older buildings. Lack of accessible parking is a big one.”

“Everyday we are met with people who describe the barriers they face when there is no accessible parking or people abusing the spots even without their accessibility signs up and that makes it harder for people to accomplish what they need to do for everyday living,” she said.

The art show to mark International Day for Persons with Disabilities takes place from Dec. 3- 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Independent Living Vernon’s office at 3402 27 Ave.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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