Positive You: a self-advocate’s arts-based approach for building self-esteem

abstract

Positive You is an inclusive arts project supporting learning disabled people to explore self-esteem through art-making. The project was developed by self-advocate Leah Jones who observed a gap in service provision after struggling with her own confidence and self-esteem for many years. This article has been co-written by Leah and her support Jade French using a life-story approach. Leah hopes that by sharing her story, this article will not only demonstrate the value of art-making in developing self-esteem, but also that learning disabled people can develop their own employment opportunities with the right support.

Keywords:

• learning disability
• self-esteem
• life story
• art
• self-advocacy
• employment

Acknowledgements

Leah Jones would like to thank her family who have always supported her in pursing her dreams. She would also like to thank self-advocacy group Halton Speak Out and Wellbeing Enterprises for their support both financially and otherwise. Leah would also like to thank Jade who is always willing to take ‘the scenic route’. Jade French would like to thank the University of Leeds’ School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, and Centre for Disability Studies for their support.