About Us
What is AbleVoices?
AbleVoices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, social impact organization that teaches photography to youth and adults with disabilities as a means for self-expression, empowerment, and advocacy. Our foundational program is the Photography for Self-Expression course that is taught in schools, community organizations, and virtually. The ultimate goal of Photography for Self-Expression is to teach individuals to create photographs that communicate their interests, preferences and strengths, as well as foster the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities. The culminating activity of the Photography for Self-Expression course is to display participant photographs in a public gallery so family, friends, and the community can view the photos and learn about the perspective of individuals experiencing disability.
© Bryant Welch | AbleVoices
© Grady Spence
© Jon Hoover | AbleVoices
© Sam Porcelli | AbleVoices
© Haileigh Taylor | AbleVoices
© Christina | AbleVoices
The Photovoice Method
AbleVoices’ Photography for Self-Expression course is grounded in the photovoice method developed in 1993 by researchers Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris. Photovoice provides cameras to underrepresented individuals or 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 a variety of 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
AbleVoices was created by Jen Vogus, who is an educator, a photographer, and a parent-advocate of an adult child with a disability. When her son, Aidan (whose speech is unintelligible, but he has lots to say!), started elementary school, he had limited ways to communicate with his teachers and peers. So Jen began taking and sharing pictures of Aidan’s interests, the things he enjoyed doing, and the important people in his life. This opened up Aidan’s world and gave him the opportunity to build lasting and meaningful relationships with his teachers and peers. Jen created AbleVoices to harness the accessibility, power, and impact of photography to help others whose voices may not be heard. In addition, the mission of the organization is to increase disability awareness and promote more accepting and inclusive communities through the powerful medium of photography. AbleVoices initially began as a program of The Arc Williamson County and incorporated as its own nonprofit organization in 2019. With The Arc’s support, AbleVoices has expanded from one to four programs and to serve hundreds of youth and adults with disabilities throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond. To learn about our programming, please visit the links under Programs in the main menu at the top of the webpage. Our programs include Photography for Self-Expression, two Photography Clubs, AbleVoices Academy and Disability Advocacy Projects.
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
-Dorothea Lange