Portraits of Ability

I would like to travel the US in search of those with special needs who have risen above and beyond what others thought was possible in hopes of inspiring others with and without a disability to achieve greatness.

I have a twin sister that has cerebral palsy. Growing up as a sibling to a child with a disability, I witnessed countless times where she would be told she could or couldn't do something because of her special needs. I think that a majority children (and adults) with disabilities hear a contradictory message of what they are capable of doing and because of this they don't achieve what they are fully capable of.

My project would consist of contacting organizations that work with children and adults that have special needs to find those that have risen above what others thought they were capable of in whatever area of life they are in now. I would like to document "a day in the life" of those that are followed as well as photograph the people in their lives that have made a difference and have been a positive influence to help them become what they have today.

I would then exhibit the portraits in hopes to encourage those with all levels of abilites that they are capable of more than what others tell them and that they can achieve greatness if they will allow themselves to do so.

I would also hope that the exhibit would encourage those that have individuals with special needs in their lives to be a positive influence and an advocate for them, helping them to achieve their best.

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