North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has opened an exhibition in North Wales which shares the stories of people with learning disabilities in Wales through photographs and videos.
Mr Isherwood, who Chairs the Cross-Party Groups on Disability and on Autism in the Senedd, opened the All Wales People First ‘Through Our Eyes’ first touring exhibition on Monday at Pontio (Bangor University). All Wales People First is the only national learning disability organisation run for and by people with learning disabilities in Wales.
The exhibition challenges perceptions and stereotypes by highlighting the valued roles and activities of people with learning disabilities in our communities, and will run until 13th January 2025.
Speaking at the opening, Mr Isherwood said:
“Images influence the way we think about people. This can affect the opportunities that people have in life.
“Members of All Wales People First set out to improve how they are represented in society by creating positive and empowering photos and videos.
“The Exhibition celebrates their achievements in employment, volunteering, sport, education and other areas of life.”
Mr Isherwood added:
“The stigmas surrounding people with learning disabilities can lead to exclusion, isolation, and a lack of opportunities. By challenging these stigmas where we see them, we can create an environment where individuals with learning disabilities can thrive.
“Through education, awareness campaigns, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their cognitive differences, people with learning disabilities can be included.
“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which I have campaigned to be brought into law in Wales, says that people with a learning disability have a fundamental right to full and active participation and inclusion in society.”
Mr Isherwood said the ‘Through Their Eyes Tour’ “is so important in breaking down attitudinal barriers and misconceptions of people with learning disabilities, taking steps to address the barriers that impeed them, rather than waiting until they experience difficulties”.
Joe Powell, Chief Executive – All Wales People First, said:
“For too long other people have owned the narrative for people with learning disabilities. If other people own our narrative then we become whatever others say we are. This has contributed to negative, deficit centred perceptions which have kept us isolated from our communities and unable to take our place as active and equal citizens in Wales. Our members wanted to change this, by portraying learning disability ‘Through Our Eyes’ of people with learning disabilities going about their lives. The images celebrate achievements in employment, volunteering, sport, education and other areas of life. They highlight the importance of self-advocacy, human rights and access to the essentials in life that most people take for granted.”