Carrick artist's new exhibition highlights access difficulties people with disabilities face
Caption for photo above: Stephen Power standing beside some of his paintings hanging in the Tudor Artisan Hub in Carrick that will feature in his “No One Left Behind” exhibition at the Sean Healy Library in Carrick-on-Suir. The exhibition opens at Carrick-on-Suir Library tonight (Wednesday, November 22) and will continue until December 18
A Carrick-on-Suir artist’s new exhibition has been inspired by the physical accessibility barriers he and others with disabilities face at public events.
Stephen Power’s interactive exhibition “No One Left Behind” officially opens at Carrick-on-Suir Library this Wednesday, November 22 from 6pm to 8pm and continues until Monday, December 18.
The self-taught visual artist who has Spina Bifida was prompted to create the body of art work that is “No One Left Behind” by a negative experience he had at a large public event due to accessibility barriers.
Through the exhibition, he wishes to raise awareness about the lack of accountability for accessibility at public events.
Stephen, who lives at Lisadobber near Carrick, said many public events still fall short of providing adequate accessibility support. This can result in individuals with disabilities facing unnecessary challenges and barriers, which can be physically, emotionally and mentally taxing.
“Enacting solutions for inclusion are crucial, and there are many ways event organisers can do this for example by providing accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, sign language interpreters, audio descriptions and other accommodations that may be necessary.
“It also means training staff and volunteers to be aware of accessibility issues and to be able to provide assistance on site when needed, and as advertised.
“I advocate that all large public events that have advertised Disabled Access be required to draw up accessibility plans and submit to appropriate governing bodies for review and approval.
“These plans should be viewed by people with mobility issues and other disabilities before the event, to ensure adequate standards are met.
“What I would like to achieve from this art cxhibition in Carrick-on-Suir Library is to ignite people’s views and get them talking about disability and accessibility and that they might in future view spaces with this in mind.
“I am really looking forward to sharing this work with the public and making some of the experience interactive. We are inviting schools to come in to view the exhibition and plan to engage with children and teens about this subject matter.”
“We also have a very special talk taking place on Tuesday, December 5 with Joe Lonergan, IT trainer and digital content creator from Callan, Kilkenny, who is visually impaired.
“I met Joe back in 2002, we shared a house together for some time. It has always amazed me at how well Joe could navigate the world being visually impaired.”
He said Joe studied in Dublin and became one of the first users of a new system for the visually impaired at the time. He went on to become a teacher of all these apps and technology that help the visually impaired access the world using their iPhone and computers. He now works for VI Ireland and you can find some of his training videos on VI Labs on YouTube or at VI.ie/technology.”
Meanwhile, the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association will give a talk at the exhibition’s official opening.
“The support from the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association has been amazing, and I am thrilled they will be there to support me and give a brief talk on the launch evening. All are welcome,” said Stephen.
The exhibition launch is being supported by Healthy Ireland at Your Library.