As part of I-Day 2024, we asked people with disability to submit their words and images entries which spoke to the four themes of voice, power identity and self-direction. These entries were unveiled at the 2024 launch event on 3 December 2024.
Words and Images on voice, power, identity and self-direction.
We showcase three of these entries here by Ravi, Robyn and Tara.
Meet the Entrant – Ravi
I am Ravi, an individual with lived experience of disability. This entry speaks to the theme of “Our Lives, Our Voices” by reflecting the power of self-expression and empowerment. It highlights the journey of finding one’s voice within the disability community, while acknowledging the collective power we hold when we unite for self-direction and advocacy.
The Power of Our Voices by Ravi
My voice is more than just words – it’s a testament to my journey. Born from years of overcoming barriers, my voice embodies resilience, shaped by the strength of my community and shared experiences. As an advocate for inclusion, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of our collective voices. Together, we break silence, demand justice, and reclaim our rights. When we speak with unity, we don’t just raise our voices—we change the narrative. Our voices carry the promise of a future where disability is celebrated, not marginalized. This is not just my voice; it is the voice of all who strive for inclusion and equality.
Meet the artist – Robyn
Robyn is a retired counsellor and art therapist who uses creativity to explore and process unconscious material and life experiences.
Robyn has lived with a chronic pain condition and intermittent mobility issues since childhood. She creates intuitively and then phenomenologically describes the work to find meaning and give voice to the object.
Robyn is currently inquiring into her experience of living with a hidden condition that has become more visible due to the processes of ageing. Robyn is drawn to images of antique and well-played with dolls and uses these ‘old dolls’ to symbolise the ageing self.
She supports the proposal of Donaldson and Britz-Crecelius’ that through playing with dolls a child finds its own self and has found ‘playing’ with images of ‘old dolls’ helpful in coming to terms with her ‘ageing self.’ Robyn says that the “uncanny” and “intellectual uncertainty” that Freud suggests is triggered by doll images resonates with her experiences of uncertainty and vulnerability as a woman ageing with what was once a hidden condition.
Finding Voice by Robyn
In this work the artist explores her personal experience of how ageing is allowing her the gift of speaking about her disability after a lifetime of denial and cover-up. This collage holds several symbols such as the face of a baby doll trapped within a tightly woven structure on a background of discarded communication devices.
An arm emerging from the base of the structure seems to be offering a gift of a golden ball to the ‘old doll’ who lies underneath and appears stiff and unable to move. The organically shaped speech bubbles are different tones of the same colour. The evolving description resonated with the artist, and she added confetti to denote the relief and joy of giving voice to what was once hidden.
Meet the entrant – Tara
I am a writer and photographer. I have lived with a disability for 20 years, so creative expression has become important to me. I like to hear stories and share stories, as we all have our own path and place in the world. There is always a different perspective and experience, to open your mind to.
Tara’s entry.
I have learned that our paths and lives are not solitary. Our paths meander and meet with those of others, sometimes side by side, others time taking different angles to different outcomes. Like colours swirling, our lives interact and leave a rainbow of experiences and views of the world.
I-Day ACT 
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