Growing up with a passion for photography, Jordan did not think university would be an option open to him. But he is now a proud member of the University of Cumbria’s Class of 2020, having successfully completing his degree this summer.
Jordan said:
Whilst I want to give people an insight into some of the things they may take for granted, I also want to give those who are diagnosed with the condition reassurance that life isn’t scary, to show what happens and what can be achieved.
He used his final exhibition to build awareness and help others living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
‘Daytime Disability’ is a snapshot of the daily support from carers and equipment Jordan relies upon to allow him to carry out tasks like eating, bathing and getting dressed, and to enjoy a quality of life that most people take for granted.
BA (Hons) Photography graduate Jordan captured his images in the first months of the coronavirus lockdown, between March and May.
They not only show Jordan using items such as a ventilator and hoist but provide a personal insight into his relationship with support workers Lauren, Brooke and Heather.
Support and facilities at the university’s Brampton Road campus, Carlisle have played their part.
He said
Everyone has been very friendly and supportive and the facilities, like the dark room, are fantastic. They’ve helped make university a real experience for me and given me confidence to do this.
Initially it was thought I may have to defer for a year for accessibility adjustments to be made but I was glad to be able to start in September 2017. A new Changing Place was created on campus whilst I was on the course; some challenges did take more time than others to overcome.
The tutors and technicians have been incredibly supportive. For instance, there’d be times I’d be late for lectures due to transport delays. The size of our cohort meant that when I was late, I was still able to join the group and they’d be able to help me straight away, bring me up to speed on what I’d missed.
Jordan’s documentary project features among the work of 129 final-year arts students on 2020Vision, a website that is the first fully digital showcase of those completing courses at the university’s Institute of the Arts. Jordan encourages those visiting his online exhibition space to learn more about his condition.
Kate Adcock, Director of Research and Innovation, Muscular Dystrophy UK said
We congratulate Jordan on having achieved this terrific degree. We also applaud the University of Cumbria for supporting his studies throughout. The images for his final project, taken despite the extra effort needed during lockdown, are wonderful. This is an outstanding example of someone with a muscle wasting condition making every day count. I’m excited to see how his career progresses.
Dr Sarah Bonnar, programme leader for the BA (Hons) Photography degree, said
Daytime Disability is a project that has brought some emotions out of Jordan that are normally hidden behind closed doors out of embarrassment on having to rely on medical equipment and support staff to retain independence.
It has taken lots of confidence for him to show some of these emotions for the first time in a project that will be seen by many people, far and wide, from the public, to friends and family, and to fellow photographers.
Jordan’s pictures are available for viewing at https://www.2020vision.gallery/photography.html and https://www.jordanmossom.com/daytimedisability
Jordan sadly passed away in April 2022 and our thoughts remain with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all of us at MDUK.