Artist Draws Attention to Disabled Rights by Pairing Disorders and Disabilities with Disney Princesses

Millions of people in the world today are disabled. Many individuals with disabilities reside in conflict zones or impoverished nations, where they face numerous obstacles in accessing basic services like education and healthcare.

They experience violence and prejudice in many countries. The right of people with disabilities to live independently is frequently violated, as many are confined to institutions, shackled, or repeatedly cycled through the criminal justice system.

Without a doubt, Disney princesses have been and will continue to be a major inspiration for many artists. However, this time, they aren't the main focus of the story.

There is a series called "Royal Service Dogs," which portrays the traditional Disney princesses as individuals with disabilities. Not only that, but these princesses are also assisted by their service dogs.

This series is created by an artist named Arien Smith, who sees his work as "both a critique of the lack of disabled characters and an advocacy for disability rights." He also describes himself as a self-identified activist, advocate, trainer, writer, and someone who wants to help spread the word about the numerous ways that service dogs can assist their disabled owners.

We have gathered some of this artist’s work for you to see below, so go ahead and check them out.

1) Disney Princess Cinderella

Cinderella lives with fibromyalgia, which is an invisible condition but can be disabling for many people. Her service dog helps her by removing her shoes.Royal Service Dogs

2) Disney Princess Rapunzel

This image represents Complex PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder. C-PTSD is a response to prolonged trauma (often in childhood). The service dog is helping her out of a strong dissociative state, providing tactile stimulation for comfort and grounding.Royal Service Dogs

3) Disney Princess Tiana

Tiana has autism. Her little service dog (small dogs are also great) is not performing a task in this image, but tasks for autistic individuals may include tactile stimulation, disruption of physically harmful behavior, orientation during overstimulation episodes, and anxiety calming.Royal Service Dogs

4) Disney Princess Belle

Belle has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Her service dog is demonstrating a blocking stance so she can be alerted if someone approaches her from behind.Royal Service Dogs

5) Disney Princess Snow White

Snow White is allergic to certain foods (the artist made reference to mace). Her service dog alerts her to an allergen in her food.Royal Service Dogs

6) Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty has narcolepsy. Her service dog is holding his head after an episode of daytime drowsiness. Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects sleep and arousal.Royal Service Dogs

7) Disney Princess Pocahontas

Pocahontas has diabetes. Her service dog is a medical alert dog, which signals to her through pawing or nudging if her blood sugar is too high or too low.Royal Service Dogs

Given the type of discrimination disabled people face around the world, various individuals have come forward to express their views on the matter. This artist chose to lend his voice through his skills, as demonstrated in the list above.

What do you think about his work? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.