About Us
What is AbleVoices?
AbleVoices is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides photography programs for youth and adults with disabilities as a means for self-expression, empowerment, and advocacy. The ultimate goal of an AbleVoices project is to provide the tools and training for individuals to create pictures that communicate their interests, strengths, and goals for the future as well as foster the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities. The culminating experience of an AbleVoices project is to display participant photographs with captions in a gallery so family, friends, and the general public can learn about and celebrate the photographers.
© Bryant Welch | AbleVoices
© Grady Spence
© Jon Hoover | AbleVoices
© Sam Porcelli | AbleVoices
© Haileigh Taylor | AbleVoices
© Christina | AbleVoices
The Photovoice Method
AbleVoices provides hands-on photography programming grounded in the photovoice methodology developed in 1993 by researchers Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris. Photovoice provides cameras to underrepresented groups to create images that amplify their voice about a particular issue or topic and to give them tools to make pictures as a means for communication, self-expression, and self-advocacy. Change can occur at both a personal level for the participants by developing social and technical skills, building confidence, and encouraging dialogue, and also on a wider societal level for those viewing the photographs.
Nico shares the portrait he made of his teacher.
Louis proudly shows his exhibit photos.
Marcus and Alex share scavenger hunt photos.
The AbleVoices Mission
The AbleVoices program was developed by Jen Vogus, who is a parent of a child with a disability, an educator, a photographer, and an advocate. When her nonverbal son started school, he had limited ways to communicate with his teachers and peers. So Jen began taking and sharing pictures of Aidan’s interests and the things he enjoyed doing. This opened up Aidan’s world and gave him the opportunity to build lasting and meaningful relationships. Jen created AbleVoices to harness the accessibility, power, and impact of photography to help others whose voices may not be heard. An additional mission of the organization is to increase disability and diversity awareness and promote more accepting and inclusive communities through the powerful visual medium of photography. AbleVoices initially began as a program of The Arc Williamson County. With The Arc’s support, the program was able to expand. AbleVoices is incredibly grateful for this strong partnership with an organization that gives so much to people with disabilities.
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
-Dorothea Lange