DecoATe Your AT. Your choice. Your story.
DecorATe is a part of a broader art project called Adapted: Investigating what is gained in function but lost in identity when AT is prescribed and how Art can help push back against medicalisation.
DecorATe is all about community and flipping the script on assistive technology. Instead of focusing on what a body can't do, we celebrate the choices people make! We're bringing the community together to decorate an everyday item that helps them move, hear, communicate and live, in whatever style feels like them.
About
My name is Chloe Wigg
I am a retired Paramedic, Artist and AT user.
DecorATe is my passion project. Inviting Assistive Technology (AT) users, those with invisible disabilities/ chronic illness, carers, loved ones and the community as a whole to come together for free and celebrate Art, choice and community.
I want individuals to come and decorate an every day item. Something that helps them get out and about, that might be AT, or an item of clothing, or an accessory.
There's a subtle but powerful shift at the heart of DecorATe: moving away from why someone needs an aid, to how good it looks.
I noticed it myself. When my condition is less noticeable and I could get by with a walking stick, people would ask me "What have you done to yourself?" kind and predictable interactions, but ones that always started with what was wrong with me.
When I use my fancy light up cane, the questions were so very different "Wow where did you get that stick?" "You should put a torch in that to make it light up!" and so on.
It made me realize that individual style/ art and creativity can help reshape public conversations and encourage connection as equals.
That's what DecorATe is about.
Not making space in the margins to celebrate the marginalized, bringing everyone into the center.
Not hiding assistive technology or just tolerating it ... but celebrating it.
Attend a DecorATe event
Below are the up coming events organised for DecorATe.
.jpg)
October 15th 10am - 2pm
Guide Dogs Queensland
for International White Cane Day.
For all those in the low vision or blindness community – you don’t have to be a Guide Dogs client to attend
November 21st 10am - 2pm
Kingston Butter Factory
Expression of interest
Host a DecorATe event
Make a donation to DecoarATe
All DecorATe workshops are run free to the public. Donated and upcycled materials are gladly accepted but this project cannot continue without funding. All donations are used in the delivery of DecorATe project. DecorATe includes but is not limited to Workshops, Celebration days, rural take home packs, materials, creatives, participant portrait photography, fashion parade, story telling/ podcast and much more. The scope of this project relies on the generosity of people like you.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
$100
Other
0/100
Comment (optional)