As part of our work towards improving Wish 12, we are working to make Leeds a more inclusive city.
We spoke to young people about what this means to them and a clear message was around raising awareness of disabilities, particularly hidden disabilities – where the disability may not be obvious just by looking at the person.
This kickstarted an art project, asking young people “How can Leeds be more inclusive to those with hidden disabilities?”, so that children and young people are not feeling judged.
The artwork created by young people has been developed into 3 posters, which will be displayed around Leeds in places such as community hubs and libraries. This will help to spread awareness of the perspective of young people in Leeds with hidden disabilities.
Some of the young people created ‘spoken word’ pieces to express their thoughts and feelings. These have been recorded and can be heard in the following video:
The project was delivered in partnership with Leeds Youth Voice, Child Friendly Leeds, Town Centre Securities PLC and young people from Brighshaw 16+, St John's School, John Jamieson East SILC, Horsforth School and the SEND Youth Council.
More information about the project can be found here.
Raising awareness of disabilities
The artwork
These pieces of artwork are based on the young people’s ideas and use their words.
Please download the posters and display in your school, place of work or community.
How to order hard copies of the posters
Complete and return the order form to phrc.forms@leeds.gov.uk, you will need to register here if you haven't already ordered resources from the Public Health Resource Centre.
- P756 Iceberg poster
- P757 Educational poster
- P758 Butterflies poster
Training slides for staff
Learning sessions around this project have been created by pulling on ideas from the art-work around not making assumptions based on people’s behaviours. For example, by thinking what might be going on for them under the surface.
The training slides encourage staff to consider that disabilities can be ‘hidden’.
Click here to download the training slides for staff.
Assembly pack for schools
The project was used to develop an assembly pack for schools in Leeds to use.
This assembly is based on the ideas pulled from the art-work around not making assumptions based on people’s behaviours. For example, by thinking what might be going on for them under the surface. It also encourages young people to consider that disabilities can be ‘hidden’.
Click here to download the assembly pack.
Information on the disabilities highlighted through the project
The young people who participated in this project, represented a range of special needs and disabilities – they are listed below.
Neurodivergence
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- OCD
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Dyslexia
- Stutter
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- William’s Syndrome
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attack
- Claustrophobia
Sensory disabilities
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
This list includes needs which were represented by the young people who took part in this project, meaning it does not cover all needs/disabilities.
