Ella Onyebe, an artist and disability inclusion advocate, recently embarked on a powerful project to create murals that represent the estimated 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally. As a hearing-impaired artist, Ella has found her voice through art, using her talents to advocate for inclusion and representation for people with disabilities.
Commissioned by Sightsavers for their Equal World campaign, Ella worked tirelessly over a ten-day period to create a mural that serves as a colorful call to action for the world to notice and include people with disabilities in decision-making processes. The mural, featuring a young woman in a wheelchair with outstretched arms, symbolizes empowerment and the need for equal opportunities for all individuals, especially young people with disabilities who are often overlooked in discussions about the future.
Throughout the creation of the mural, passers-by stopped to watch, with some taking photos and others expressing their support for the powerful message being conveyed. One young woman using crutches even remarked that the mural truly represented her and others with disabilities, highlighting the impact of art in changing perceptions and inspiring dreams.
Ella’s experience as a university student fighting for inclusion in her chosen field of Creative Arts serves as a stark reminder of the barriers that young people with disabilities face in education, employment, and public spaces. She emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making processes, as these individuals offer unique insights and innovative solutions that can benefit society as a whole.
As Ella puts the finishing touches on her mural, she reflects on the message she hopes to convey – a challenge to the world to move beyond token gestures and truly amplify the voices of young people with disabilities. She calls for action, urging society to provide equal opportunities for education, employment, and civic participation for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Ella’s journey from a world of silence to creating art that speaks volumes is a testament to the power of inclusivity and the potential that lies within every individual. She challenges readers to look closer at the stories being told in public art and to consider whose voices are still missing. By amplifying the voices of young people with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
In conclusion, Ella’s work serves as a reminder that art has the power to inspire change, challenge perceptions, and advocate for a more inclusive world. By listening to and amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities, we can create a society where everyone is valued and included.
