Art as a lifeline: Dagbjört Andrésdóttir on her struggle and the need for inclusive education

At the symposium "Equal access for people with disabilities to art education", which was held at the City Theatre recently, featured a moving conversation with Dagbjörta Andrésdóttir, singer and activist. Þóra Einarsdóttir, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Teaching, spoke with Dagbjörta. 

Dagbjört was born with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). Earlier this year, a documentary about her life and struggles within the education system premiered. In the interview, she discussed, among other things, how an invisible disability can trigger complex and unfair treatment, what made her decide to open her life to the camera, and how a British expert's words that the challenge was not herself but the system and teaching methods, changed her self-image. 

Dagbjört described the impact of the school system on her self-image and mental well-being, but also how singing and art studies were life-saving for her, giving her a purpose and space to build self-confidence with the support of teachers and fellow students. She also sent a clear message to education authorities and teachers to see accessibility, flexible teaching methods and individualized learning as natural “assistive tools” not exceptions, so that the talents of disabled people are not lost from the artistic world. 

The symposium was held by the Iceland Academy of the Arts in collaboration with the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, ÖBÍ Rights Association, Throskahjálp and the City Theatre.  

It was part of the collaborative project Inclusive education at the university level, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education. The program was diverse and addressed key issues such as obstacles and opportunities within art studies, the fight for rights and the power of art, flexible learning, and advice to the Icelandic Institute of Art and Design and education authorities on next steps. 

The symposium was held at the City Theatre and about 60 individuals attended to listen and participate in discussions about the importance of accessibility in art education.