In her shoes: Jenny Ashton's passion for learning and showing the power of disability

The 72-year-old is a regular at Creative Space Southern Highlands in Bowral, where she draws, knits, paints and crochets with her friends.

The hub, which is run by the St Vincent de Paul Society, provides a space where adults can access artmaking materials, share knowledge, make friends and learn skills without barriers.

Jenny has sold artworks with the space, and has also been an award-winning participant in the Moss Vale Show.

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"I'm loving every minute of the things I do," she said.

Her knitting is being featured in the Creative and Thriving exhibition, which shines a spotlight on artists with disabilities in the Highlands.

She said her skirt took a couple of weeks to complete.

It is not just creative pursuits that ignite Jenny's passions - she has reading and writing lessons, is learning sign language, and would love to write poetry, teach others with disabilities, and get part-time work - even if it is unpaid.

"It's good to do things, good to keep the mind active," she said.

One of her greatest achievements has been strengthening and increasing the mobility in one of her arms.

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She also completed her high school certificate in her 60s, through the Red Cross.

"When the postman bought the certificate, I cried because it was really good and I achieved something," she said.

Her love for life has sparked a determination to show people what she, and other people with disabilities are capable of.

"I like to show people what I can and can't do," she said.

"I don't like people putting us down, I like people to put us up."

"I'm aiming to get other people to understand us."

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This was something she addressed when she spoke at the Creative and Thriving opening panel on December 2.

She spoke about her desire to access more support for transport, and how people made assumptions about her growing up based on her disability, such as her not needing to go to school.

"I want to prove people wrong, [and] I've proved a lot of people wrong," she said.

She is thankful for the support she has received from Creative Space, Home Care and her mental health support worker Nat.

You can see the Creative and Thriving exhibition until January 13, at the council's civic centre on weekdays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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