In creating and selling his artwork about the Paralympics, student Stephen showed how everyone can embody the four Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.
In 2016, Stephen sold a painting through a fundraising art exhibition at popular venue The Cedar Tree in Bagshot, organised by the Lisa May Foundation. Stephen created “Thinking About the Paralympics 2016” using the Olympic ring colours.
So Stephen can paint freely, staff at Parity adapt brushes, extending them with the right lengths of wood so they will reach the canvas easily. Stephen chooses his colours, all the equipment needed is placed around him, and with no more assistance, Stephen creates his artworks.
Parity students demonstrate courage in accomplishing what the general public might deem unexpected, and determination in pushing abilities to the limit. They inspire the people who know them, including their peers and the staff who support them. They promote equality by confronting and breaking down the social barriers that still exist for people with multiple disabilities.
Stephen may not have appeared to the world on a podium, but with the proceeds from his first sale he did enjoy a celebratory lunch with friends.
View more about Stephen and others’ art at Parity here