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'1980 was the ‘International Year of the Disabled’ and also the year I became disabled. There was little equality then, which influenced one of the images in the banner. My older brother took me to the cinema only to find that I was not allowed in, due to being deemed a fire hazard because I was in a wheelchair. I have tried to illustrate how my life has changed as a result of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 by showing all the things I am now able to do with my family. I am also able to work as a professional artist, as I have a personal assistant funded by Access to Work, which is truly liberating.

The banner reflects my particular view of the world, utilising humour and popular culture icons, such as Frida Kahlo, along with snapshots of my life. The banner is inspired by my experiences before and after the 1995 Act. Things are still not perfect; we still have much to do, but I can at least go to the cinema with my family. Most buildings are accessible, but attitudes still need to change.' - Jason Wilsher-Mills

Created by Jason Wilsher-Mills for the 2015 Parliament in the Making Programme. Commissioned by the House of Commons with the support of The Speaker’s Art Fund. © 2015 Jason Wilsher-Mills and the House of Commons

1995 DDA commemorative banner, Jason Wilsher-Mills. Features cartoonish and dreamlike emblems and memorabilia floating around a central figure who sits in a wheelchair, wearing a mask1995 DDA commemorative banner, Jason Wilsher-Mills. Features cartoonish and dreamlike emblems and memorabilia floating around a central figure who sits in a wheelchair, wearing a mask1995 DDA commemorative banner, Jason Wilsher-Mills. Features cartoonish and dreamlike emblems and memorabilia floating around a central figure who sits in a wheelchair, wearing a mask

Title 1995 Disability Discrimination Act
Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills
Year 2015
Medium iPad painting, giclée print on canvas
Dimensions 15ft 7in x 4ft 3in
Image description Digital painting that features cartoonish and dreamlike emblems and memorabilia - including bees, butterflies, and small avatars of the main subject - floating around a central figure who sits in a wheelchair, wearing a black eye mask.
Loan status Available

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