Local nonprofit hosts art exhibitions to drive awareness for disabilities
Sammamish-based nonprofit Lens of Youth concluded its “Misunderstood Moments” exhibition on March 3 at the Sammamish Library. Lens of Youth, which advocates for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community by sharing stories through art, ran the exhibition for three weeks and is now hosting it at local schools.
The exhibition uses illustrations and personal stories to highlight everyday instances where the needs of the neurodivergent community are overlooked.
The program is a major step for the organization, which was founded in 2023 by Skyline High School juniors Florence and Felicia Qiang. Originally a photography service for students with special needs, the sisters became interested in more active advocacy after realizing many families were hesitant to share their identities and daily struggles.
The project combines art and storytelling to drive awareness. By pairing illustrators with members of the IDD community, the project has allowed 18 families to share lived experiences while maintaining privacy.
Yutong Liu, an eighth grader from Bellevue, illustrated a story about a boy with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. To accurately depict his experiences, Liu researched the daily lives of neurodivergent people and worked with an art teacher to capture the specific emotions.
“The most challenging thing that I encountered while drawing was expressing the emotions on paper … I hope that the subjects of the stories feel more recognized and I hope that they realize that they’re still a treasured part of their community,” said Liu.
The exhibition features perspectives from within the IDD community. Neurodivergent artist and storyteller Jackie Moffitt, 29, shared his experience through the project to help fight the stigma surrounding disabilities.
“I like that the artwork was positive and showed coping mechanisms, instead of just showing me acting upset … there is nothing shameful about having certain support needs,” said Moffitt.
The group’s outreach led to a partnership with Sammamish city officials to advocate for more inclusive city planning and public spaces. The organization aims to help the City understand how to better support neurodivergent residents in everyday life.
“One of the things that parents experience when your child has special needs is this terrific sense of isolation,” said Councilmember Roisin O’Farrell.
Sammamish Mayor Josh Amato also sees Lens of Youth’s work as part of a long-term effort for the IDD community.
“Going forward, as more people get to understand all the ways that this impacts people, it won’t be a question of, do we fund it or not? It’s how we integrate it directly into our schools,” said Amato.
Lens of Youth has grown to 53 registered volunteers since early 2023. With over 1,000 signatures already collected on its online “Inclusion Pledge,” the founders hope to bring the Misunderstood Moments exhibition to more communities across the region.
