Drop in any time during Newcastle City Library’s opening hours to explore ‘Claiming the Normal’, a powerful photography exhibition presented as Difference north-east’s celebration of Disability History Month, read more here!
Created by Difference North East and photographed by Kev Howard, the project Claiming the Normal celebrates every day disabled lives, challenging stereotypes and reclaiming space for authentic representation. The exhibition showcases striking portraits of disabled people doing ordinary things—working, shopping, enjoying hobbies, and simply living their lives.
@differencenortheast The media often gets disability WRONG! 🚫 Disabled people are shown as either helpless or superheroes. ✅ But in real life, disabled people go to the pub, shop, work, and have fun—just like everyone else. We’re taking real photos to show every day disabled people—AND WE NEED YOU! Get paid £50-£75 for a 1-3 hour photo shoot. No experience needed—just be yourself! Interested? Send us a DM, email christopher@differencenortheast.org.uk, or text/WhatsApp 07813 789529. Tag a friend who should be part of this! #RealDisabledLife #representationmatters #disabledtiktok #disability ♬ original sound: Difference North East
Through these images, the project breaks down barriers and invites audiences to rethink how disability is portrayed: beyond clichés of “superhuman” or “helpless.”
Reclaiming the Normal is a photography initiative by Difference North East, a disability rights charity dedicated to ending discrimination, improving access, and changing public perceptions of disability!