Salisbury resident changes perception one sketch at a time

Blue iguanas,  purple and pink frogs, those are just some of the colorful drawings crafted by Tiffany Reber.

"I just love to draw," says Reber.

Tiffany isn't your typical self-taught artist. She suffers from schizoaffective disorder,  which is a mental health condition.

Tiffany is part of United Needs & Abilities, an organization that integrates people with developmental disabilities into the community. That's where her talent was noticed.

"She opened up her big book of drawings, and I was blown away. The different colors she uses, you can tell it all comes from her mind and imagination, it's nothing that no one else would draw, because none else is going to draw a pink, an blue, and brown shark," says Denequa Hills, Tiffany's mentor.

Tiffany's artwork is displayed on the organization's office wall, but it's not just the finished product that amazes folks. It's how she gets inspiration for her drawings.

"I do not look at books, I do not look at another picture, I just like doing it from my head," says Tiffany.

We're told the images that come to her head are animals.

"I love prehistoric animal to the animals we have today, I am a big animal lover," says Tiffany.

Hills tells us she hopes Tiffany's talent changes the perception of those living with a disability.

"They're just like us, so many people underestimate them, and are so cautious. And I understand being cautious, but they can do anything that we can do, and obviously sometimes better," says Hills.

Tiffany tells us her goal is to eventually publish a book with all her drawings. United Needs & Abilities will be showcasing her work in an art reception. That event will be held at the organizations office in Salisbury on May 11th, from 4 to 6PM.