« If you can’t stand up, stand out! » says the company Izzy Wheels, which makes fun, colorful wheelchair cover designs. The company, founded by two sisters in Ireland, aims to « challenge negative associations with wheelchairs and let users celebrate their individuality by personalizing their source of independence, » according to Ailbhe Keane, one of the co-creators.
Third-grade students learned about Izzy Wheels and began their own creative project that explores how to bridge the gap between disability and fashion and make the world a more inclusive place.
Our artists put their minds to work, creating full-size wheel cover designs that fit a very specific template (doughnut-shaped). Their designs ranged from beautiful interpretations of nature to colorful abstract art to motivational messages. One even looks like a delicious pepperoni pizza!
After working hard to create their art, they 3D printed mini wheelchairs on the Lower School Makerspace’s laser cutter. They then used Canva to shrink down their full-size designs, printed them, and applied them to their doll-sized wheelchairs. « now we have mini wheelchairs with our designs on just like the Matel (think Barbie) line that collaborated with Izzy Wheels! We are having lots of fun! » said Sarah Garner, Lower School Art Teacher.
What a wonderful lesson in creating inviting, inclusive art that makes the world more beautiful for everyone. Way to go, Beasley artists!