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My Life in Pictures is not an art exhibition, but a documentary show featuring the lives – in their own words and photographs – of dozens of adults with learning disabilities, most with a connection to Project Ability, the Glasgow-based specialist arts organisation
18th July 2008, 1:00am

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https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/highlight-51

My Life in Pictures is not an art exhibition, but a documentary show featuring the lives - in their own words and photographs - of dozens of adults with learning disabilities, most with a connection to Project Ability, the Glasgow-based specialist arts organisation.

Running at Project Ability’s city centre gallery until August 15, the featured prose and snapshots are very ordinary, but the stories they tell - of the participants taking control of their lives and achieving success - are anything but.

“The photographs depict holidays, special events, friends and family. The accompanying stories, which initially seem full of sadness, are full of strength, joy and optimism,” explain the organisers. “People with learning disabilities are going to work, partying, attending college, getting married, enjoying hobbies and interests and going on holidays.”

The exhibition also demonstrates the support that people with learning disabilities get from family, friends and organisations like Project Ability.

On the other side of the country, in North Berwick, you won’t need to bring your own waterproofs and wellies to take a wildlife tour in one of the new RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Passengers on the 12-seater speed boats get the loan of protective clothing - and a life jacket of course - as part of the pound;20, hour-long cruise around the seabird colonies of the Bass Rock and Craigleith Island in the Firth of Forth.

The ride, for eight-year-olds and over, can be wet and bumpy, but no one has been seasick yet, and the boats are fitted with extra-safe saddle seats with handles to grip. Schools get a special 30-minute tour for half price.

Project Ability, 18 Albion Street, Glasgow.

T 0141 552 2822; www.project-ability.co.uk

Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick.

T 01620 890202; www.seabird.org.

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