My Second Disabled History Month Inspirational Person

Disabled History Month: 22nd November to 22nd December

I&R Senate Poster: Alison Lapper

I promised to write about a disabled person that inspires me every blog post during this month, and so my inspirational person number two is Alison Lapper. 

I read her life story when I was around 11 years old, and I thought she was amazing. For me, reading it as a young girl, she broke down the barriers of what is expected of someone with no arms, had studied an art degree and also left an abusive relationship. Such things that had never even crossed my mind at that point. 

Alison was born with phocomelia, which meant that she had no arms and very short legs. She has had very little contact with her mother or family, and was institutionalised. When young, she refused to use artificial limbs as they were made to make her look 'normal' as opposed to helping her functioning. At 19 years old she moved to London, got a driving licence and a flat. She studied Fine Art at University of Brighton, and graduated with a first class honours degree. She paints with her mouth and questions physical normality and beauty, but she also uses photography and digital imaging. When pregnant she posed for the sculptor Marc Quinn, and the sculpture was in Trafalgar Square, London up until 2007, which sparked controversy. A large replica of the statue was used in the 2012 Paralympics Opening ceremony.

It's true; there are many beautiful statues of women with no arms, and yet her disability is not considered beautiful. Take a look at Venus de Milo, for example.