Disability Advocacy
"Every mind has its own language"
Amplifying the voices of the disabled community through art therapy and innovative communication tools that transcend traditional language barriers
The Philosophy of Understanding
Achieving a perfect understanding of another means that you share the exact same worldview.
As no two individuals can have exactly the same experience, it follows that perfect understanding cannot exist. But through effective communication, we try to asymptote towards this understanding so that we can feel a sense of unity and belonging.
One way of increasing this understanding is through art.
Learning from My Sister
Taking care of my autistic sister and other behaviorally disabled students has taught me that some people do not have the privilege of engaging in conventional forms of communication.
No matter how hard I try, I still don't fully understand how exactly my sister views the world, and to what extent she is conscious of social interactions and the effect that she has on others.
But this does not mean that she cannot express herself, nor that I cannot understand her.
The Avec Toi Initiative
Through the Avec Toi initiative, I encourage students like my sister to confidently play around with paint and express themselves with all the energy that they can muster.
"Observing the thrill and intensity with which some of these students create their works, I was awestruck by their creativity."
Some of the funky facial expressions and the unexpected color combinations spoke to me much more directly than words, and I felt the beautiful vibrance of their souls.
I learned that I want to play the role of a genuine enabler for those who have limited avenues of expression.
I want to ensure that these hidden voices are amplified.
From My Sister's Journey to a Universal Mission
My sister has autism. Growing up with her, I watched her struggle to share the vibrant world inside her head. She had thoughts, emotions, and perspectives that couldn't come out through regular conversation. That taught me something huge: struggling to express yourself doesn't mean you have nothing to say.
What started with my sister became something bigger. I realized this isn't just about autism. It's about anyone with a disability who's been told they "can't communicate" just because they don't communicate the way most people expect. I decided to make sure these people get heard. That their voices matter. That their perspectives reach the world.
Through art, symbols, and visual expression, we can show the individuality of people who would otherwise be invisible. Each piece of art is like an emotional letter. These are their colors. This is their language. This is how they speak.
Every Mind Has Its Own Language
Everyone experiences and expresses the world differently, and that's okay. For many people in the disabled community, art isn't just a hobby or a form of self-expression. It's their voice. It's how they communicate what words can't capture. And that voice is just as valid and powerful as any spoken language.
My job is to create spaces where these artistic voices get the attention they deserve. Where people can see and understand what these artists are saying through their work. Each piece tells a story that needs to be heard.
Art as Expression
A visual journey through the creative expressions of neurodivergent artists, where every piece tells a story that words cannot capture
Understanding Neurodiversity
Beyond "Normal" Communication
Autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences aren't deficits—they're different ways of experiencing and processing the world. When we limit "communication" to only verbal expression, we silence countless individuals who have profound things to share.
Visual art, music, movement, and symbols can convey emotions, thoughts, and perspectives that words often fail to capture. For many neurodivergent individuals, these alternative forms aren't just preferences—they're their natural language.
The Power of Art Therapy
Art therapy provides a safe, structured environment where individuals can express themselves without the pressure of verbal communication. Through colors, shapes, and creative expression, participants can process emotions, share experiences, and connect with others in ways that feel natural to them.
The Avec Toi project demonstrates this power. Children who struggled with traditional communication found their voice through art. Parents witnessed breakthroughs they never thought possible. Art became the bridge between isolation and connection.
Why This Work Matters
Society often defines communication narrowly—if you can't speak clearly, you're seen as having "communication problems." But the problem isn't with these individuals. The problem is with our limited definition of communication.
By creating platforms for artistic expression, we're not just helping people communicate. We're expanding society's understanding of what communication can be. We're proving that every mind has value, regardless of how it expresses itself.
A Personal Mission
My sister's journey with autism taught me that communication exists in countless forms. Her art speaks volumes in ways that words never could. This work is dedicated to every individual who has been told they don't have a voice—you do, and it's beautiful.
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." — Edgar Degas