Wheelchair Art Initiative 2024
The objective of this campaign is to raise awareness of disabilities and promote inclusivity.
We invited schools and community groups to decorate a wheelchair. Imagination was the only limit.
Donna Abel, our CEO said:
“This initiative is not just about art—it’s about breaking down barriers and encouraging people to rethink how they see disabilities. We hope this project sparks creativity and, most importantly, starts conversations about inclusion and the value of every person in our community. By extending the deadline, we want to give more people the opportunity to participate and make a positive impact.”
The decorated wheelchairs will be displayed in Coop stores and in selected town locations.
A panel of judges will evaluate the decorated wheelchairs and there is a poll further down this page for the public to select the winner in the “People’s Choice” category.
To donate directly to this appeal please use the secure donation form on this page.
The Entrants
Coop – Belonging is Everything
CI Coop’s wheelchair is a celebration of empowerment, designed with a superhero theme. The custom side panels feature dynamic starburst patterns reminiscent of classic comic books and the back is tied with a cape with the words Belonging is Everything emblazoned across it. The CI Coop wheelchair is a symbol of resilience and superhero courage.
The students designed their chair using bright, uplifting colours and interesting textures and embellishments to create a positive, engaging piece. Additionally, they incorporated positive and inspiring words and quotes to decorate the chair, reinforcing the theme of optimism and encouragement.
We were really inspired by the beauty and diversity of flowers, and how they can bloom in any conditions. So, we felt it fitting to base our wheelchair design around them. In addition, being a girl’s school, we wanted to focus on women empowerment and acceptance, and so we incorporated this into the design. All of the team behind the design of the wheelchair worked incredibly hard to incorporate all the different elements, and got the whole school involved in the creation of the paper flowers. We want to inspire people with our design, and so we hope you enjoy.
The CIB team liked the idea of the chair being light and floating through the air to create the ease of movement.
Our students have worked to a specific brief supporting and promoting ability not disability.
The artwork has been created by our new GCSE Art students giving them the opportunity firsthand to work with Jersey Cheshire Home.
They have revamped what seemed to be a basic black wheelchair into an artwork full of colour and pattern. The initial wheelchair frame has been spray painted to give it a more modern appeal, this has been done in a selected colour scheme of yellow, blue, pink and green, using white for stenciled text.
The main text reads:
“The only disability is the inability to accept and respect differences.”
This was felt to be a statement that covered a whole group of opinions around disability awareness, inclusion, and diversity among our students.
Key words and flags with symbols have been created individually to make the Wheelchair really stand out and draw attention to the fact that we are all different and should celebrate and embrace this.
These are some of the students’ opinions.
- Rudy Heuze – “Everyone should be included, no matter what they can or cannot do.”
- Jade Musyoki – “I did the wheel, I mixed the colours to be pretty and show how you can do anything with paint and show how beautiful the design is. We love you all.”
- Bianca Sarbea – “I think everyone should be included because after all, one way or another, we are all the same.”
- Zachary Hughes – “I have designed one of the footrests and included the symbols of people holding hands to represent inclusion and show how we are all the same.”
- Clara Nelson – “I drew a puzzle on my flag to represent every piece of our world.”
- Monica Perestrelo – “I have designed and painted my flag. I made sure that I used bright colours especially yellow to symbolize disability awareness.”
- Rosie-Jo Mensey – “I did a vivid flag with bright colours to represent my flag for women around the world who think that they have a voice.”
Students who participated:
- Jorja Coughlan
- Zachary Hughes
- Gracie Nicolas
- Emma Ure
- Rosie-Jo Mensey
- Sienna Winship
- Kianee Rondel
- Bethany Neely
- Monica Perestrelo
- Bianca Sarbea
- Clara Nelson
- Rudy Heuze
- Hannah Martin
- Salena Hetere
- Hannah Andrei
- Yara Viera
A group of Year 8 Haute Vallee students designed and made the artwork for the wheelchair in the summer term. The students were clear that they wanted to transform its’ appearance into something beautiful using 2D and 3D elements. Most of us appreciate our surroundings; however, we can take our beautiful island for granted when able-bodied. Covering the wheelchair as if it has been engulfed in nature, we hope will send out a message that the outdoors should be more accessible for wheelchair users, particularly walking routes. Spending time in our natural surroundings is critical to supporting good mental health.
Inspired by the themes of love, freedom, positivity and hope, the Jersey Cheshire Home wheelchair is adorned with large, elegant angel wings, symbolising the idea of soaring beyond physical limitations and embracing life’s possibilities.
The soft, white fabric covering the chair signifies comfort and security and the display features an inspirational message: “Live every moment, Laugh every day, Love beyond words.” This message reflects the ethos of living fully despite challenges and overcoming adversity.
Cast your vote
Please note: Voting closes at 17:00 on Friday 15th November.
How can you support?
Please use our Coop Share Number – 55 – to make a real difference to islanders with disabilities as you shop today.
Jersey Cheshire Home
Eric Young House, Rope Walk, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, JE2 4UU
