Disability Resources recently hosted the 2025 Art Contest with the theme “What Accessibility Means to Me.” We’re excited to announce that the winning artwork is now on display in the Student Room (SSB 109) on the first floor of the Student Services Building. We invite everyone to stop by and take a look! Congratulations to our winners:
Photo by Abantika Ghosh, Biology Major, PhD Student This is a drawing of me and my companion forever, my dog Laika, just two silhouettes sitting quietly beneath a blue, star-filled night sky. It’s that peaceful feeling of sharing a moment together—where everything feels calm and safe. For me, accessibility is about creating spaces where every journey, whether with a friend or just yourself, is welcomed and held with care, like the gentle glow of stars lighting up the dark. 
Painting by Erica Murphy, Sociology Major, Class of 2025 When I step back from this piece, I see a fox poised for adventure, a ballerina spinning in joy, and a snail slowly winding its path through vibrant uncertainty. Others have seen sea creatures, maps, or blooming gardens. That’s the beauty of disability and difference: perception shifts depending on the lens. This painting invites viewers to look again, to notice what’s hidden in plain sight, and to honor what might otherwise be overlooked. 
Photo by Harrington Hibbard, Supply Chain Management Major, Class of 2027 “A little guy that helps you read” is whimsical, imaginative scene blending reality and fantasy. The background is an old, richly textured red book with golden-yellow lettering and vintage artwork. The title on the book reads “Jester’s Bells,” and the illustration shows part of a jester’s leg in a dynamic pose. In the center of this book cover stands a tiny character, drawn in a cartoon style but made to look like they’re really standing on the book. The character looks like a mix between a scarecrow and an adventurer: they have a pale white face with red dots for eyes and a stitched mouth, giving them a bit of a mysterious or eerie look. They’re wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a green leafy poncho that drapes over their shoulders like wings. Their arms are raised in a triumphant or joyful pose. Next to the character are two small, realistic-looking skulls, adding a slightly macabre touch to the otherwise playful scene. The entire setup feels like a miniature story unfolding on the surface of a book, merging the physical and the imaginary in a magical little moment. 
Photo by Nico Ortizo, General Engineering Major, Class of 2028 “Belonging” In the center of the image, nestled among lush green leaves and bright yellow flowers, stands a small banana LEGO figure. The character has a cheerful face, wears blue overalls, and has a red bandana around its neck. It holds a pizza in one hand, giving a playful and summery vibe. The flowers surrounding the figure are vibrant, with soft, velvety petals in rich yellow tones. They’re slightly blurred around the edges of the image, creating a dreamy, magical atmosphere that draws the eye to the sharply focused LEGO character at the center. The contrast between the toy’s quirky design and the natural beauty of the flowers creates a fun and imaginative scene, as if the little figure is on a tiny adventure in a garden jungle. 
Painting by Lily Weissmann, Business Hospitality Major, Class of 2027 This artwork is a whimsical and meaningful illustration of a cowboy boot, painted in soft, earthy tones. The boot is not just an ordinary boot—it’s filled with life and symbolism. Sprouting out from the top of the boot is a vibrant bouquet of flowers. There are tulips, daisies, roses, and other delicate blooms in bright reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and blues. These flowers overflow from the boot, giving the impression of growth, beauty, and flourishing. What makes the piece especially unique is that the outlines of the boot and its decorative details are formed entirely out of hand-lettered words. These words are values and ideals, flowing together in continuous script. Words like “belonging,” “understanding,” “respect,” “inclusion,” “welcoming,” “diversity,” and “community” are used to shape the contours of the boot, symbolizing how these values are foundational—just like a sturdy pair of boots is essential for walking through life. The boot rests on a simple background with no distractions, which lets its message stand strong. The overall feeling is warm, inclusive, and hopeful—a reminder that when we walk in love, empathy, and community, we help beautiful things grow. 
Photo by Jiamin Chen, Industrial and Systems Engineering Major, Class of 2028 The artwork portrays a glowing, ethereal girl in a moment of deep emotion, as if caught between wonder and sorrow. She appears to be running or moving forward in a dark, empty space, the background completely black, emphasizing the light radiating from her body. Her hair is wild and white, flowing back as if caught in the wind. Delicate horns curl from her head, giving her a mystical or otherworldly appearance. Her skin shines in soft purples and blues, like moonlight on water, and her large, expressive eyes are filled with tears. A single glowing tear trails down her cheek. In her hands, she gently holds a small glowing flower or dandelion puff, blowing on it as if making a wish or releasing something precious. From the flower, glowing particles float away behind her, drifting like tiny fireflies or stars fading into the distance. The overall mood is hauntingly beautiful—like a moment of letting go, of sadness touched with hope, captured in glowing colors and deep silence. 
Drawing by Luna Guerra, Psychology Major, Class of 2027 My charcoal drawing depicts a close up of a child with her hand on a step. She is facing towards the left, her mouth agape, panting from the strenuous effort of climbing. A bandana is secured across her forehead. Light illuminates her from above. Her name is Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, a real person who protested on March 12,1990 for the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by climbing the steps of the capitol building along with other physically disabled people.