THERE is a sculpture in the Sunnyhaven garden at Kogarah into which quite a number of clients can fit.
"That's me," said George, fitting himself into an outline of a tall, thin body.
Talib, substantially shorter, had no problem finding his body outline and neither did Jessica, also tall and slim.
The sculpture is called I Am and means just that: that people with disabilities have just as much right to participate in much the same things as everyone else.
"We wanted the message to be I am valued regardless of abilities, cultural diversity, language difficulties and family backgrounds," Sunnyhaven chief executive Maree Mullins said.
Sunnyhaven Disability Services look after up to 70 disabled young people in a variety of day care activities and outings.
The sculpture came out of an arts project in which sculptor Nici Wright was employed as an artist in residence to work with people aged 18 to 35.
Her concept involved tracing around body shapes in various positions and turning the shapes into entwining wire sculptures which the clients covered with weatherproof materials from reverse garbage.
With support from Rockdale Council, the sculpture was entered in the recent Rockdale Arts Festival and was exhibited in Cook Park.
Although there was stiff competition, I Am won the People's Choice Award.
It also won the Harmony Award for its inclusive concept.
The sculpture now has a permanent home in Sunnyhaven's grounds.
