Fleur Samways, a young woman with an ostomy bag due to her inflammatory bowel disorder, is challenging societal norms by proudly showcasing her disability. At the tender age of 15, Fleur experienced severe vomiting, exhaustion, and abdominal pain, leading to a hospital visit where she was diagnosed with acute severe ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Following two months and a surgical procedure, she was discharged with an ostomy bag to manage her condition. Now, at 19, she is a University of Southampton student who also models part-time, embracing the opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking photoshoot that aims to redefine the portrayal of people with disabilities.

The Onset of Illness: A Teenager's Battle with an Invisible Enemy

Fleur's journey began with a harrowing experience at the age of 15, when she was hospitalized due to intense vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The doctors diagnosed her with acute severe ulcerative colitis, a debilitating form of inflammatory bowel disease. This condition, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, can lead to severe pain, diarrhea, and other debilitating symptoms. Fleur's diagnosis came after a period of uncertainty and fear, as she struggled to understand what was happening to her body. She recalls feeling isolated and withdrawn during this time, unsure of how to cope with her symptoms and the impact they were having on her life.

The Road to Recovery: Surgery and the Ostomy Bag

After enduring two months of treatment and undergoing surgery, Fleur was discharged from the hospital with an ostomy bag to collect waste from her intestines. This medical device, which is attached to the abdomen, allows for the collection of waste when the digestive system is not functioning properly. For Fleur, the ostomy bag represented both a solution to her medical issues and a new challenge to face in her daily life. Adjusting to life with an ostomy bag was not easy, but Fleur found that with time and support, she was able to manage her condition and regain a sense of normalcy.

Embracing Visibility: Modeling with an Ostomy Bag

Now a 19-year-old student at the University of Southampton, Fleur has turned her disability into a platform for advocacy and representation. She works part-time for a modeling agency, which led her to a unique photoshoot that sought to shed new light on people with disabilities. This photoshoot was organized by the Business Disability Forum to create the Disability Smart Image Bank, a resource for businesses and media outlets seeking authentic stock images. The image bank is intended to contain hundreds of photographs featuring individuals with a broad range of disabilities and conditions in everyday situations, such as being at an airport.

The Power of Representation: The Disability Smart Image Bank

Fleur was overjoyed to participate in a project that sought to present individuals with disabilities in a more positive and realistic light. The initiative was organized by the Business Disability Forum, which aimed to create the Disability Smart Image Bank—a collection of photographs that businesses and media can utilize when in need of stock images. This image bank is designed to contain a vast array of images depicting individuals with diverse disabilities and conditions engaging in everyday activities, such as traveling through an airport. Fleur shared her experience, saying, "It was really fun at the airport. It was heartwarming to collaborate with others who share disabilities, all united in the same mission."

The Impact of Social Support: Fleur's Advocacy for Open Dialogue

Before her diagnosis, Fleur grappled with the ambiguity surrounding her health condition, feeling lost and unsure. She recalls, "I was really withdrawn because I didn't understand what was happening to my body." However, after her surgery, she felt healthier and more confident, believing that her condition has ultimately improved her life for the better. Fleur emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system and encourages open dialogue about disabilities, stating, "I think by trying to normalize it, society will follow suit, making it easier for you to navigate your daily life."

Addressing Underrepresentation: The Business Disability Forum's Campaign

Lara Davis, the communications director of the Business Disability Forum, works closely with businesses and employers to improve services for their disabled employees. She points out the feelings of underrepresentation and misrepresentation that disabled people experience in images, both in the media and advertising. She explains, "Our research showed that disabled people feel underrepresented and misrepresented in images." The campaign's objective is to create a series of images that truly reflect what it is like to live with a disability. Davis expresses hope that businesses will use these images to represent diversity, stating, "The disabled community is just as diverse as the rest of the population."

Fleur's Journey: From Isolation to Empowerment

Fleur's story is one of resilience and advocacy. At 15, she was hospitalized with severe symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of acute severe ulcerative colitis. After two months and surgery, she was discharged with an ostomy bag. Now, at 19, Fleur is a student and part-time model, embracing the opportunity to participate in a photoshoot that aims to redefine the portrayal of people with disabilities. The photoshoot was organized by the Business Disability Forum to create the Disability Smart Image Bank, a collection of photographs for businesses and media outlets to use when they need stock images. The image bank is designed to contain a vast array of images depicting individuals with diverse disabilities and conditions engaging in everyday activities, such as traveling through an airport. Fleur shared her experience, saying, "It was really fun at the airport. It was heartwarming to collaborate with others who share disabilities, all united in the same mission."

The Broader Impact: Changing Perceptions of Disability

Fleur's participation in the Disability Smart Image Bank project is part of a larger movement to change how society perceives and represents disability. By showcasing individuals with disabilities in everyday situations, the campaign aims to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive view of what it means to be disabled. This effort is crucial in a world where disability is often stigmatized or overlooked, leading to social exclusion and discrimination.

The Role of Media: Authentic Representation Matters

The underrepresentation and misrepresentation of disabled individuals in media and advertising have long been issues that the disability community has faced. Research has consistently shown that when disabled people are portrayed in the media, it is often in stereotypical or patronizing ways that do not reflect the true diversity and complexity of their lives. The Business Disability Forum's campaign seeks to address this by providing authentic images that businesses can use to represent disability in a more accurate and respectful manner.

Fleur's Message: Normalizing Disability for a Better Society

Fleur's advocacy extends beyond her participation in photoshoots. She believes that normalizing discussions about disabilities is essential for creating a more accepting society. By openly sharing her experiences and challenging societal norms, Fleur hopes to inspire others with disabilities to embrace their identities and live their lives without shame or fear of judgment.

The Future of Disability Representation: Ongoing Efforts and Challenges

As initiatives like the Disability Smart Image Bank gain traction, there is hope that the representation of disabled individuals in media and advertising will continue to improve. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, including changing deep-seated cultural attitudes and ensuring that disabled voices are included in decision-making processes related to their representation.

Conclusion: Fleur Samways' Legacy

Fleur Samways' journey from a teenager struggling with a debilitating illness to a confident advocate for disability representation is a testament to her resilience and determination. Through her modeling work and involvement in projects like the Disability Smart Image Bank, she is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting society where disability is seen as a natural part of human diversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of visibility and representation in driving social change.