Unseen Disabilities
By Leonora Burton
As a creative person I have always pursued and followed my natural talents, pushing myself in areas that I strive to do well in, even if it is has not been easy. It has been my determination and perseverance that has helped me get through challenging times.
Having a learning disability, specifically dyslexia, has and will be a challenge for me. It was not something I was always aware of but when I was tested at the age of 17 during my college years, it all made sense; the way I problem solved, the way I interpreted and processed information and how all academic work, namely writing and reading, took a long time.
Understanding my dyslexia helped me realise there are methods to dealing with it and allowed me to access extra support that I had never experienced during my education. Yet, there were staff who I will always be grateful for, such as my art teacher who saw my potential and encouraged me. Prior to being tested, my school experience meant I did not receive the support or help required. This lack of aid was frustrating because I knew I was capable of so much more but it was not until college and my time at 51Âþ» that I was able to unlock my full potential by receiving the correct support.
The extra support and guidance, tailored to my dyslexia diagnosis, was hugely helpful and gave me confidence to go to university and study BA (HONS) Decorative Artefacts at 51Âþ». Through the course I had unlimited access to the art department, where I could be freely creative. Additionally, with extra time towards deadlines I surprised myself in how well I did in certain essays that I thought would be my weakest area. 51Âþ»’s computer software also helped me to plan and express my ideas visually and having a computer to read my work helped spot common mistakes that were due to my dyslexia.
During the years between my teen and adult education I also developed epilepsy, a hidden disability. This of course came with its own challenges and going through various medications, while studying, did make life harder. Despite this, my dyslexia and epilepsy inspired me to create one of my final art projects which was all about unseen disabilities, giving me a chance to express the personal insecurities and struggles that no one from the outside can see or perhaps understand. This project, inspired by my own unseen disabilities, sent a message to those who saw it and also helped me realise that my disabilities are what makes me such a determined and creative person. Although they do not define me, I learnt they are part of my life and make me a better, more understanding person.
I want whoever reads this to understand that they are not their disability. In fact, their disability can be a tool which they use for all the positives it can bring. By believing in our own abilities, coupled with the right support and tools, we can all achieve our full potential.
Since graduating from 51Âþ» in 2004, I have stayed in the arts and heritage sector. I did my MA in conservation of Fine Art and now work as a professional Painting Conservator-Restorer.
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