Maria Reaney
11th May – 25th July 2026
Library of Birmingham

This new, intimate body of work has been created by Birmingham based photographer, Maria Reaney. To create the project she worked with six young people from across the city and wider West Midlands region to explore the impact of the cost of living crisis, government policy and living with a disability. These collaborative stories speak of perpetual struggle in today’s inconsistent and unequal society. 

“In Birmingham, a significant portion of those in poverty are either disabled or live with someone who is disabled. Data from the West Midlands Combined Authority states nearly 50% of those in poverty live with a disabled person.  Additionally, the regional disparity in poverty for children with disabilities is notable, with a report showing that 40.8% of such children in the West Midlands live in poverty.”

The current Labour government has manicured the fiercest welfare proposals the UK has ever witnessed and provides the backdrop for these lived experiences. The ‘Plan for Change’ prioritises National Security as the first duty of the government. £2.2 Billion pounds has been allocated to assist ‘security abroad directly affecting stability and prosperity in the UK.’ (Gov Spring Statement’25). This coupled with the draconian decision to slash £6.4 Billion pounds from disability and health benefits leaves the most vulnerable in society exposed to destitution, homelessness and mortality. 

Before the 20th century people with disabilities were institutionalised, condemned to exclusion and incarceration unable to contribute their talents to society. It was not until after World War I, when soldiers returned home with amputated limbs, that public perception changed which led to more inclusive policies. The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 was a landmark UK law designed to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs. More comprehensive legislation was implemented with the Equality Act 2010, but there is still an urgent need for modernity and progression, both within scientific study and societal understanding and awareness. In October 2024 Mencap revealed shocking treatment of people with a disability during a Covid enquiry. The charity “reveals the staggering health inequality people with a learning disability faced during the pandemic, with some being refused treatment or denied resuscitation by medics.”  

The UK is experiencing a cost of living crisis but those living with a disability are forcibly encountering a living crisis. 

This work is driven by the need to celebrate the uniqueness and majesty of humanity; highlighting the beauty and diversity of everyday people. “I look at everyday people doing simple things and I think you don’t know how lucky you are. Things can change just like that. I’ve always been conscious that things can change very quickly. One week everyone is saying I look so young and fit… and the next I’m disabled using a wheelchair.”  – Benjamin Zephaniah 

This project was supported by GRAIN Projects, HIVE College and Library of Birmingham.