Deafblind artist pays tribute to Lord Ashley
26 June 2012
Nicola Conway, who's 29, is a deafblind artist from Harrow in North London. She presented her handmade award to Lord Ashley’s daughter, Jane Ashley, as part of Sense’s tribute to the late Lord of Stoke.
The award ceremony, marking International Deafblind Awareness Week (25 June – 1 July) took place at Sense’s Anne Wall Centre in Barnet, North London, where Nicola made the ceramic art award.
Lord Ashley became deaf not long after he was elected as an MP in the 1960s, and he continued to tirelessly campaign on important social issues, and in particular for deafblind people, throughout his life and right up until his death in April this year.
On accepting her father’s award, Jane Ashley, said:
"I am honoured to accept this beautiful bowl made by Nicola, and the family will treasure this award. Deafblindness is a disability that my father cared about deeply. As someone who was totally deaf himself for 25 years, he had a special empathy with those who are deafblind and could appreciate the enormous challenges they face.
"My father had the highest admiration for Sense and wanted to do all he could to help. He greatly respected the way the organisation assists deafblind people and their families through its highly effective campaigning at national level and for the tremendous support it provides people across the country."
Gillian Morbey, Sense CEO, said:
"Lord Ashley was a champion for the rights of deafblind people, and this award is our way of ensuring his legacy is not forgotten at Sense. His role was instrumental in securing the Deafblind Guidance, which was issued by the Department of Health in 2001 and gives people like Nicola the right to a deafblind specific social care assessment, which helps ensure they receive the support they need to live independent and fulfilled lives.
"I was delighted to meet his daughter, Jane, to let her know just how much her father’s tireless efforts have meant to the people Sense supports!"
Nicola’s story
Nicola Conway has both sight and hearing loss, as well as some physical and learning disabilities. She has been going to Sense’s Anne Wall Centre in Barnet for 11 years where she creates her artwork and also enjoys baking, Yoga, swimming and horse riding.
Her Mum, Linda Conway, says:
"I am so proud of Nicola because she has grown up into a really lovely and sociable young lady. Since going to Sense’s Anne Wall Centre her confidence has grown enormously and it’s been a real life saver for our family.
I know she had so much fun making Lord Ashley’s award, and I am so pleased that she got to personally give it to his daughter."