An exhibition of multimedia portraits and stories has been launched to raise awareness of communication disability.
Junior ministers Emma Pengelly and Jennifer McCann launched the exhibition, which features nine portraits by photographer Laurence Gibson.
It has been commissioned by The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists as part of its Giving Voice campaign and is supported by Disability Action and the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board.
Each participant featured has a communication disability. Visitors will be able to view their portraits and listen to their voices as they each recount a memorable journey they have taken. Their stories will resonate with many: they include a once in a lifetime holiday, the first day of a new job; and a sunny day at the beach with an ice cream.
Due to their disability, many of those participating have voices and speech that will sound different to listeners. Some use vocalisations which may be unintelligible to anyone other than close family. Others use alternative or augmentative forms of communication such as signs and or symbols and others use communication devices that produce electronic speech.
Viewing the portraits and listening to the voice recordings will enable anyone who experiences the exhibition to have a greater insight into the nature and impact of communication disabilities. The booklet and website also provide useful links to additional information sources.
The exhibition will be on display in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, Stormont until November 13 and online via www.myjourneymyvoice.org. Bookings can be made online, by contacting Janet.mcgookin@rcslt.org or by calling 028 9044 6385.
