Beyond Limitations: How cerebral palsy survivor paints dreams with her feet

Refusing to be defined by her physical impairment, Toma Umu transforms lived experience into vibrant art while championing disability inclusion and self-acceptance.  From learning to feed herself with her toes to studying Special Education, her journey reveals how community support and inner resolve uncover purpose in adversity.
By Ebunoluwa Sessou
Toma Umu, an artist and advocate for persons living with disabilities, stands tall against the stigma surrounding physical impairment. Despite being unable to use her hands due to cerebral palsy, Umu discovered she could use her legs to feed herself—and eventually, to create canvas art.
Her creative journey began out of necessity. “There ...