Meet the young artist who’s Deafblind, disabled and determined to make a difference

We feel the same as the snowman in Ava Jolliffe’s winning illustration. He’s celebrating. Twiggy arms, complete with Whizz Kidz-coloured mittens, are in the snowy air, and he’s loving life. Chosen to be on the Poundland Foundation’s first charity bag, it will be the colourful carrier of some 60,000 bag loads of shopping right through to the January sales. And that’s before they get reused to store festive decorations in. We’re happy that Ava drew him for Whizz Kidz. 

Ava’s art should be celebrated. Her snowman is getting the sort of national prominence that’s sadly all too rare for work from young disabled talent. If anyone can help change that, Ava can. At just 17, she’s won numerous awards, including the Shaw Trust Disability Power Rising Star and a 2024 National Diversity Awards nomination. She is powerfully changing perceptions from her perspective as a Deafblind disabled artist and young wheelchair user. 

Describing herself as determined, Ava is an overachiever who’s passionate about making change. She’s collaborated on projects with Anglia Ruskin University, Deafblind UK, Bealies Adaptive Wear and designed an inclusive range of clothing with Asda. She’s exhibited her art solo several times, most recently with her show, ‘Paper View’, a collection of portraiture of able and disabled people from mixed backgrounds. Then there are the children’s books she’s working on, the issues she’s campaigning with charities on and the demands of full-time education. But her art is central to everything she does.

“It’s not just a job for me. It’s my joy, my passion, and my daily motivation,” she says.

What is she hoping to achieve with her art?
“I have always tried to use my art for positivity, to break down misconceptions about being Deafblind disabled. I am a young artist, and I just also happen to be disabled. So, continuing to work alongside charities and businesses to ensure better representation for my peers is a must. I love it when my art sparks open conversations, especially if that leads to better communication and understanding.”

We only added to her extensive to-do list by wanting to find out more. Ava’s mum, Laura, was kindly on hand to communicate our questions to her daughter in British Sign Language (BSL) and then transcribe her answers back for us.  

Ava’s art: inspirations and how she does it

What first got you interested in art and design?
I have always drawn, as a little girl a pen and paper were my favourite toys. When I lost my hearing and couldn’t express myself verbally, I would draw my wants, needs and emotional responses instead. 

How do you create your artwork? What's the process?
When I was younger, I drew everything on paper, ream after ream of paper, and felt tip pens. I got my first iPad about ten years ago, and it was a revolutionary upgrade, so now my favourite medium is digital art. Due to my sight loss, I work on small, highly pixelated areas of my art at a time. It’s time-consuming but gives me the best results. 

How do you feel when you are creating your art?
I still feel excited. It’s a passion, a genuine joy, and I feel very grounded, peaceful, and calm when drawing. Art is my favourite way to express myself – I can draw what I want, I don’t need help or permission, and art is very subjective and personal. 

How much does technology like your iPad help you to create?
It’s truly amazing. I got my first iPad about ten years ago and my first iPad Pro about five years ago. The bigger screen is better for me, and the apps that are available now are incredible. It’s given me so much freedom, not only to draw but as a tool to investigate the world around me and learn about different artists and techniques; it’s invaluable, to be honest. 

What other assistive technology do you like to use?
I have Neater arms, which help with my arms if working on a physical art piece, and my cochlear implants, which have opened the world of music to me, something I never thought I would be able to hear. And, of course, my powered wheelchair, which affords me such independence and, when I get my guide dog, will allow me even more freedom to explore.

What are you working on now?
I have been working on some stories and am still perfecting the illustrations. I am working on a commission for looked after children, and I am working to raise awareness of the lack of accessible and hoisted accommodation in hotels. I have plans for a new art exhibition next year, but funding is always an issue, so fingers crossed for that. 

Who are your favourite artists, and where does your inspiration come from?
I love all things anime and manga and it’s those which influence me the most. Manga artists Naoko Takeuchi and Hayao Miyazaki are two of my favourites. 

Where would you like to take it?
In the future, I would love to work with a retail brand to produce products based on my art and, hopefully, others to create inclusive children’s content.

Can you tell us about the children's book for Deafblind people you are working on?
It’s a disability-positive book for everyone, not specifically Deafblind. The book is one in a series of books, all with gentle disability positive messages woven into the stories. However, between college and other commitments, it’s been taking me longer than I expected to complete the illustrations. We have three stories written and lots of ideas for the next few – time is my biggest challenge.

Ava on her disability and communication

Please tell us about your disability, if you don’t mind
I have a very rare genetic disorder called Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency. It started when I was three. Sadly, it’s not curable, and it’s degenerative. It’s damaged a lot of my nerves, and this damage has left me profoundly deaf, severely sight restricted and needing a wheelchair, among other issues. 
There are about 300 people in the world living with it, but I always have hope that one day there will be a cure.

Can you describe what each of your senses is like and how they work for you?
I am certified blind and have no peripheral vision, nystagmus and optic atrophy. My remaining vision is very poor, and I am currently waiting for my first guide dog. I am also profoundly deaf, with bilateral cochlear implants, which are a great help in accessing environmental sounds and music. Speech, however, is too difficult for me to differentiate, so I use BSL as my first language and English as my second. I do have a good sense of smell and taste, and I love food. I also get a lot of environmental feedback from my sense of touch. Texture is important; it gives me a different perspective and helps me fill in the gaps from my vision loss. 

Could you tell us more about how you communicate?
I am a BSL user – it’s my first language. I need to be sat very close to my friends and family to see their facial expressions, lip patterns and signing. I get exhausted from connecting all of these together to form a complete picture, and then I have to do the translations between BSL grammar and English grammar in my head, which are different, so some days, it gets so tiring, and I just need time out from communicating.

Ava on being a Deafblind young wheelchair user

Does being a wheelchair user and Deafblind stop you from doing what you want to do?
Absolutely, it does. I am very reliant on my family and intervenor/PAs to get about and to communicate with other non-BSL users & clients. 
It’s hugely frustrating. I am independent by nature, so having to constantly ask for help undermines this. My vision is so very poor that it’s not safe for me to be out alone currently; hence, I am looking forward to getting a guide dog to help with my independence. Also, things like concerts, theatres, and cinemas are all impossible for me to access due to limited vision, reading is exhausting and even holidays are difficult when you can’t go sightseeing, because you can’t see the sights!

Accessibility has improved over the years, but we still have such a long way to go – and a lot of that is about changing people and business mindset as well as the physical environmental changes needed to accommodate all disabled people equally.

What do you wish more people knew about being Deafblind?
It’s an umbrella term; not all Deafblind people are completely blind or deaf. It’s varying degrees depending on the individual. I have been trolled before by people asking how I can be a ‘blind’ artist. Sadly lots of people are misinformed about the subject.

What are the biggest myths and misconceptions about Deafblind people?
That we can see or hear absolutely nothing, and that we all walk around with canes, dark glasses and guide dogs. 

How can we best be an ally to Deafblind people and wheelchair users?
Keep drop kerbs clear, remove pavement obstacles, ensure that glass entrance doors are visibly highlighted, make sure shop aisles are easy to navigate and free of debris, stop using the same colour everywhere (grey is not our friend!), and make sure crossings are working. Be respectful. Do not pat or wave hands in front of our faces or shout loudly at us. We are the same as everyone else. We just need reasonable adjustments to live our best lives. 

Ava and Whizz Kidz

When did you first come into contact with Whizz Kidz?
A couple of years ago, when I was working with Bealies to produce a bespoke product, Mum got talking with them and applied for some equipment. I loved their positive energy, the way that they challenge society to do better by wheelchair users and how they motivate young wheelchair users to be the change. 

What equipment have you got from Whizz Kidz, and how does it help you?
I have been measured for my first recumbent trike. I have been on the list for a while, so it’s exciting that it is finally happening. I will, in the future, ask for a better self-propelled wheelchair; mine is so heavy that I can’t use it.

Has there been a moment when you realised the difference the new equipment made?
Totally, just trialling the recumbent bike made me so happy – I have had spinal work done and so ordinary trikes are no good for me. The seat was so utterly amazing, and I can’t wait to be able to get out and exercise again in the spring.

What’s the best thing about Whizz Kidz for you?
Whizz Kidz really does make a massive difference to so many children and young adults; it changes lives. It helps with independence, grows self-esteem, encourages interaction and growth, and challenges others to better engage with young wheelchair users and listen to their voices. There is so much negativity and stigma around being disabled, but when we all join together and challenge ourselves and others, we become stronger.

What Ava advocates for

What campaigns and issues are you particularly passionate about?
As a Deafblind disabled person, my complexities give me a a very broad spectrum of experiences but also issues. I really want to ensure a clear understanding of being Deafblind, and I have continued to work with Deafblind UK to help raise awareness. I also believe that there is a real lack of accessible housing being built. There should be better legislation to ensure that on every new build, there is a percentage of accessible housing. The waiting lists for accessible housing have increased exponentially, and retrofitting is expensive. 

Also, there is inadequate hotel accommodation and facilities for disabled people. For example, did you know there are only 11 rooms in major hotels in UK cities with essential hoists? It’s appalling. So, with the fantastic team at Snowball, I am looking at how best to challenge this.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a Deafblind person who is a young wheelchair user?
It’s a long list. However,  ignorance and indifference are the biggest problems. 

What do you wish was more accessible and inclusive in society?
As I said, it’s not just the direct environment; it’s the lack of accommodation being provided for our futures. There are 3.9 million more disabled people in the UK than 10 years ago, and yet we only have 11 hoisted hotel rooms, and we are an afterthought in housing developments. Let alone trying to stop our essential equipment from being damaged when we want to travel or navigate dog mess on pavements. 

If you could change one thing for disabled people in society, what would it be?
Make every non-disabled person spend a week in a wheelchair. Lived experience is an amazing learning tool. 

How did you feel about your disability while growing up? What changed your thinking?
Angry, frustrated, confused, jealous, all normal reactions, emotions and feelings. But as I got older, I also realised these impacted those around me, the very people who loved me and supported me. It was as hard for them as it was for me. So, I decided that although my life is limited, I shouldn’t use my time to keep bending down to my illness. Instead, I chose to stand up against it, and I regained control.

What are your hopes for the future?
A cure for my illness, or at least for my eyesight – it’s really my biggest concern and source of frustration. And for more consideration of disabled people, I feel we have to shout so much louder than anyone else to be heard.

All about Ava

We wanted to find out even more about the person behind the pictures.

What are you studying? 
I am currently studying Level 2 art at Preston College. The Preston College Creative team is really fantastic and so supportive of me as an artist, and their fantastic intervenors help me access the curriculum and resources available. Studying art has opened my eyes to different styles, mediums, and artists. It has really helped me grow my knowledge and try new things.

What do you love to do in your spare time?
I love to be creative, and making art is my passion. But I also love attending comic cons, watching K-drama, and blue-toothing K-pop to my cochlear implants. I have a real passion for fashion and design, So shopping for clothes is definitely a favourite of mine, and if I also get to combine it with eating out with friends, then it’s a real win for me. 

What’s your favourite place to go?
I love going to Manchester or Liverpool, visiting new venues, doing some shopping and trying new restaurants. However, with being VI/HI sensory deprived, things like the cinema or theatre are not really accessible to me. I want to do more travelling. I am lucky to have been to some great places; however, I want to visit the Far East. My art definitely has an anime influence, and I love oriental culture. 

What are your favourite things to wear?
As a wheelchair user, I think a lot about comfort, mobility and style. I prefer dresses. I find them easier for me, and with such a massive variation in styles and fits, there is always something different to try. Currently, I am loving chunky knits and boots, I do love a quirky jacket, and I have quite a collection that I have sourced from Vinted. Things don’t need to be new. Mine are often pre-loved; it’s better for the environment and means I get something a bit more unusual or retro.

What are your favourite foods and drinks? And least favourite?
I love Chinese, Japanese and sushi best. I love prawns and smoked salmon and have a very sweet tooth. Iced coffee is a daily treat for me when I come home from college. Being sensory diverse, taste and smell are important to me, and I have a very keen sense of smell. I am good at giving most things a go, but I am not fond of heavy foods or things that take a lot of chewing, so for some people, a steak would be heaven, but for me, it’s hell.

Can you describe yourself in three words?
Enquiring, determined and vibrant 

How would your friends describe you?
Loyal, charismatic and fun-loving

What is a quality you have that you’re most proud of?
My sense of fairness and equality, I hate to see people belittled or undermined.

To stay up to date with Ava’s work, follow her on Instagram. And be sure to get your Poundland bag for life featuring her snowman before stocks run out. Ten pence from each sale will go to the Poundland Foundation’s good causes.