Meet
Derek

Derek headshot

Derek is a 21-year-old self-advocate and Youth Ambassador from Georgia. He is an artist and believes that a picture can say a lot. In this story, Derek uses art to express how he feels about supported decision making, how he receives support and why it is important to make his own choices. 

Full image descriptions of Derek’s six slides can be found under the Long Image Descriptions Heading towards the bottom of this page. 

A drawing of Derek providing information about himself. Described under the heading Slide 1 in the Long Image Descriptions section
A drawing of Derek talks about supported decision making . Described under the heading Slide 2 in the Long Image Descriptions section
Slide 2
A drawing of Derek describes an example of a decision he made. Described under the heading Slide 3 in the Long Image Descriptions section
Slide 3
A drawing of Derek talks about his supports. Described under the heading Slide 4 in the Long Image Descriptions section
Slide 4
A drawing of Derek explains why he is an ambassador. Described under the heading Slide 5 in the Long Image Descriptions section
Slide 5
A drawing of Derek talks about decision-making. Description under heading Slide 6 in the Long Image Descriptions Section
Slide 6

Derek is a passionate disability voting advocate. He is a board member of Uniting for Change, a network of self-advocates, and REV Up Georgia. His artwork expresses his passion for voting rights.

Derek works on a painting titled "Save My vote" that shows a dark-skinned hand open with the palm side showing
Derek is working on a painting titled “Save My Vote.”
A finished "Save My Vote" painting created by Derek. It shows an open, dark-skinned hand with the text "save my vote" written on the palm
A finished “Save My Vote” painting. Save My Vote is REV UP GEORGIA’s slogan. Painting is displayed at a voting event in Georgia.
Derek works on a drawing titled "My Vote Suppressed" with two dark-skinned hands closed into fists and in shackles holding Derek's vote
Derek is working on a drawing titled “My Vote Suppressed.” The hands are holding Derek's vote.
Derek's painting with the text "All Votes matter!" shows a large group of people of different colors and silhouettes in a crowd
"All Votes Matter" painting.

Long Image Descriptions

Slide 1

A cartoon drawing of Derek says “My name is Derek Heard. Who I am is unwritten and I am the author! I am a graphic artist in Albany, Georgia. I am a disability and voter advocate. I use my art to do this!” On the side of this slide, there’s a logo for “Derek’s Doodle’s with a hand holding a pencil in a raised fist. In the corner of the slide, a cartoon representation of Derek is next to text “I am more than” with an arrow pointing to the word “diagnosis”. Above “diagnosis” additional identities Derek has are listed as “Advocate, Teacher, Graphic Designer, Business Owner, Voter, Speaker, Brother, Son, Man, Artist”. Elsewhere on the slide, there is a real-life picture of Derek as well as a logo for an unspecified Art Department.

Slide 2 

A cartoon drawing of Derek says “Supported Decision making helps me make decisions by letting me keep my rights. And letting me get help when I need it. Just because I don’t know how to do something doesn’t mean I should lose my voice!

Slide 3

A cartoon drawing of Derek thinks, “A big decision I made before was deciding I wanted to be a graphic designer. I spoke to Mom and Dad. They helped me by getting art lessons and helping me with art supplies. They also helped me meet people to help my dream come true. 

Slide 4

A cartoon drawing of Derek speaks to cartoons of his family members and other people who support him. Derek says, “I get support by speaking out and being proud of what I have to say. I get support from my family, United for Change, and Rev Up. 

Slide 5

A cartoon drawing of desk stands at a podium in front of group of seated people clapping for him. Derek says “I wanted to be a part of this because I know my voice can give other people a choice over their own life. A life that they want to make. My Voice to make my Choice! What I have to say matters!

Slide 6

A cartoon drawing of Derek stands next to a raised fist with flames by behind it. Derek says “It is important to me to make my own decisions because it gives me power over my own life! It makes me happy that mom things what I have to say is important. It makes me feel confident!”