Still I Rise 2 – Exhibition portraying disabled staff from Salford City Council, Salford VCSE sector and Elected Members

Retired Paralympian swimmer, Elaine has taken part in three Olympics gaining five Olympic medals and seven medals from three World Championships.

Elaine is now chair of Access to All Areas and uses her role to make Salford accessible for other disabled people. 

Elaine says being blind doesn’t mean it should hold you back. She understands that some people need extra help to have a go at something – but she believes you must have a go. You might have a hidden skill which you should use. Even if you fall - get up and have another go – you must keep moving forward. Confidence is so hard to build and so easy to lose.

Hello, my name is Beatty, I have just been looking at a copy of my picture and thinking where did that young person go? But seeing my own eyes I can tell, it’s all life lived in there somewhere.

I feel lucky to have spent most of my working life doing things which make a positive difference for people. I could not do that without the kindness, generosity of spirit and support of family, friends, colleagues volunteers and casual acquaintances met along the way.

We, the voluntary sector, exist because folk want to work together to improve the lives of our fellow human beings.

If you’re looking at my picture - take with you a virtual hug and know there is a place in the voluntary sector for you to make a difference too.

My word for this portrait was ‘defiance’.
I use it positively.
Be who you are.
Do what you need to do.
Don’t let others, who may think they know you, define you.
That’s your job.
Do it well.

Eric has spent 40 years volunteering and campaigning with Sense and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

He is the chair of Salford Disability Forum.

After moving to London for a nursing career, his path changed due to the impact of Usher Syndrome, leading to a local government career until losing his sight and hearing forced early retirement.

Eric and his husband Charlie returned to Salford to care for Eric’s mum. 

Eric advocates for disability rights and accessible transport, emphasising equal treatment and support for all Disabled people. 

He believes access is a right for everyone, not a privilege for a few.

D – Determination isn’t lost 
I – Independent I will always be 
S – Still I rise 
A – Adapting to the changes in me 
B – Battling each day 
L – Listening to my needs 
E – Every challenge I face 
D – Driven to succeed

Disabled - but not dis-abled

At the time of the photograph, I was awaiting a hip replacement, which made mobility a challenge. Recently, I was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Despite these challenges, I am a fighter, not a quitter, I have been all my life. With the love and support of my family, friends, and colleagues, I carry on.

My Colourful Mind 

I am not keen on the term ADHD – attention deficit hyperactive disorder. There are too many negatives in there for my liking. 

“Deficit” and “Disorder” exist in a society that does not allow for difference, curiosity, free thinking, high energy, questioning and true innovation that allows individuals to think and exist “outside the box”.

I have what I choose to describe as a “Colourful Mind” – I think and respond in a way that others may not. A kaleidoscope of colour my brain sometimes moves so fast it can be difficult to focus and makes sense of the thoughts.

In a society that does not always allow for difference – particularly in education and the 9 to 5 corporate work environments, having a colourful mind can have its challenges. Yet this same kaleidoscope of colour enables quick thinking wonderful creativity and an ability to see things from a unique perspective – a valuable asset in the challenges of a fast paced ever changing world. 

The Māori name given for ADHD is Aroreretini which means “mind goes to many things”. 

No negativity required - How beautiful.

I choose not to see myself in “deficit or disordered”. My colourful mind continues to contribute and welcomes ALL the colourful minds who cross my path.

To Truley understand my disability you need to take time to really listen and not judge or mock me. Would I change my disability if I could ... in a heartbeat."

Throughout my life, I have frequently fractured and broken bones, which made me feel like a freak. Friends at school and even some family members would remark on how fragile or accident-prone I was. My childhood was spent either in a wheelchair or on crutches, undergoing physio, operations, and long hospital stays. 

I couldn’t join in with other children at school or at home because I would hurt myself. I never used roller skates, went ice skating, or had a pain-free, happy childhood. Even now, when winter comes and the floor becomes icy, I am a prisoner in my home because I will fall.

Losing most of my hearing in both ears at 22 due to my disability was hard, losing all my teeth by 25 because they snapped off was horrible. 

Even now, people are rude and snigger because all I hear is noise. I can only lipread if someone is directly in front of me and I can see their mouth - then I can hear what is being said! I have had to make adaptations to all aspects of my life to function as best as I can.

In a world that often overlooks the quiet resilience of people like myself, I stand proudly adorned in my heritage and my health journey. My life has been one of fierce survival, of reclaiming my voice amidst the whispers of adversity. I live with a disability, yet I am not defined by it. Each day, I walk through life with the strength of my Royal Ancestors of Iviuralokhor Clan, carrying the colours and textures of my roots, which give me power!

I am a kidney transplant survivor, a warrior who has risen from the depths of adversity and discrimination. My fight has been one for dignity, for presence, for respect, for the right to be seen beyond my challenges. I am here to inspire others - especially Black kidney patients who, like me, find themselves fighting systems that often disregard us. This is my story, my battle cry, my reminder to every person of colour that our lives, our voices, are invaluable.

Let my life be a testament: disability is but a part of the narrative, not the end of it. We are so much more than the limitations imposed on us. My name is HILARIA ASUMU and I. AM. WORTHY!

I am profoundly Deaf and unable to speak, but I am proud of my Deafness and my ability to communicate using British Sign Language. 

Many hearing people mistakenly believe that Deaf people are limited in what they can do, but this is far from the truth. I’ve got great visual and manual skills. My ears might not work, but that doesn’t stop me from living a full life.

I worked as a welder for 13 years, which is a tough, skilled jobs. For the past 11 years, I’ve been a support worker and advocate for d/Deaf people, helping others navigate life. Now, I’m the chair of the Salford Deaf Community Gathering, and I’m proud of that.

Being deaf is a big part of who I am, and I embrace it. Sure, I have a disability, but that doesn’t define me. We’re all human, and I believe in the value and potential of every person. I love everyone and strive to make the world a better place for the d/Deaf community and beyond.

Being disabled isn’t a negative – it just is what it is. 

If you want to know about my disability, ask me about it. That’s why I love children, they just ask – do it – it’s OK!

Children are more accepting than adults – parents try and stop them asking questions, they get upset that their child is being rude, and I’ll be offended – but the shameful thing is not asking and treating me so differently.

My speech can be unclear – if you don’t understand what I’ve said, ask me to repeat it! 

Don’t placate me – listen to me.

This week I’ve passed my driving test, I’ll be more independent and free. I can’t wait for all the new experiences I can have a have a go at. 

For other Disabled people who think they can’t do anything – have a go and give things a try – you’ll amaze yourself.