Title: Can I Go Outside?
Artist: Judith Grace Vijayasenan
Statement:
How has Covid-19 affected the mental health of children with learning disabilities? Over the past year, many lives have undergone significant changes due to the ongoing pandemic, one population experiencing these adversities are children. My DIGI cover looks at the new norm in children’s lives through a critical lens. In this illustration, I presented a child in a dark room, about to tap an answer to the question on the screen. I wanted to represent the binary options “yes” or “no” that is constantly part of our mindset due to the circumstances of online and at-home learning. This mentality can feel limiting and can make education assistance, mental health needs, and social-economic needs seem black and white. How can we provide diverse activities, bring back an active routine using art, and reduce the levels of stress, anxiety, while removing barriers for minority groups?