Disabled photographers - how can their needs be met?

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Densley

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Chris
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You may have noticed the issue of photography and disability has recently been raised within these forums, this is an issue that rarely raises it head in the many forums for photographers on the web.

I would be interested to hear from photographers with disabilities as to what they see their needs as being and how those needs can best be met.

Please DO NOT bring the issues discussed in the thread regarding the Disabled Photographers Society into this thread.other than perhaps to look at how facilities can be made accessible to disabled photographers.

Chris
 
Densley said:
I would be interested to hear from photographers with disabilities as to what they see their needs as being and how those needs can best be met.
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Chris, as a photographer living with disability I have a question/s I'd like you to answer first - why your interest and what do you hope to achieve with this thread?
 
Jon Hi,

Good question to start. Why my interest? Well that comes from having a life long visual impairment, my vision is just above the point at which I could be registered as blind, sounds a little dramatic but it isn’t. Developed an interest in photography – strange hobby for somebody with a visual impairment – back in the mid 70’s when I used to belong to a very active local photographic society here in Bristol. Used to exhibit work there and through the local photographic alliances. Had something called a “darkroom” which I loved. Photographic interests, well anything really as long as it stayed still enough for me to use some high powered magnifiers to get the focus right and move a rather heavy tripod!

Got married, had kids, lost touch a little with the hobby until about two years ago when I started to seriously get back into it feeling that technology had moved on and that probably was to my benefit.

I don’t do the disability bit very well but strangely for me joined the Disabled Photographers Society about six months ago. Thoroughly enjoyed what I saw and did there, well until about two weeks ago, buts that another issue. Reading some of the threads in that discussion, especially from those who are disabled and with some of the suggestions about the forming of a new group it made me begin to question what do photographers with disabilities want – a bit of a big question I know. Also felt it was not an issue normally talked about in forums such as this and felt there must be many out there who might appreciate the opportunity to enter into a discussion about it.

Can I be quite clear, my intention, hence the odd opening to this thread, is not to go over the ground covered in the other thread other than perhaps to look at some of the access issues of the Bristol studio. I most certainly do not want to get into another thread that bashes the DPS, that is not my intention at all!

At heart, my intention to open a discussion and let it go where it does as long as it remains largely on topic and remains friendly and I really do encourage anyone to join it.

Does that help?

Chris
 
I guess for me, the main issue is safety. I am profoundly deaf, and although I have hearing aids, I would not hear someone approaching me. For that reason, I've been somewhat reluctant to venture out at night - in a group, I'd be fine. That said, I'm guessing even a hearing person might feel uncomfortable on their own in a dimly lit place with expensive camera gear (!)

I did not know a disabled society existed, so I'll pop over to that thread now. Although for me, I've never really felt a need to start interacting with other deaf people or become part of the 'deaf community.'
 
Being good friends with Diego (pete), he was saying that the society gives the chance for disabled photographers to work with abled for want of a better word and to just have an outlet for somewhere to go and be valued and helped. He was telling me about 'Ken', a bloke who had not taken a sharp photo for years so he set up his camra and ran him through some options on TV mode and a monopod and Ken said that was the first time someone had listened to what he felt was wrong with his pictures.

He was saying that if a new group is formed, then going out as a collective would be good and show people that two groups can work together as there are still people who see disabled people and have no idea how to handle it. I hope something good happens in the future evem if it is going out once a month to meet at a local pub or something....?
 
If any disabled photographers go to football matches you could help out my website for disabled football supporters by taking pics of disabled areas... AWADS (www.awads.co.uk) its been around for quite a few years :)
 
Densley said:
question what do photographers with disabilities want – a bit of a big question I know.
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Chris, Thanks for the info. For me I want nothing more than a photographer without disabilities wants or has. I don't "do" group scenarios, especially ones formed to represent a certain sector. I think that stems from my attitude towards disability, which is it only affects how i tackle a task, not whether I can undertake it. This of course will vary with the individual and their own affliction/s.
 
Scott and all hi,

Ok, something there about groups mixing together and about social contact. Why can that not be provided though through a local photographic society?

Jon hi, in a way simolar views to mine, have lived to long with a visual impairment to stop it from letting me do what I want to unless the law stops me! I used to use a 5x4 a 20x magnifer and a very heavy tripod but I did get REALLY sharp pics!

Chris
 
I have only recently been diagnosed with FMS and Im under review ...maybe getting an upgrade!
I became involved with the DPS and I see myself as a helper as my illness is in its earley stages.And hopefully . I have been a help not hinderence.
I think that the most important things for disabled Photographers is for someone who can listen and TRY to understand the problems they face , there is such a mixed bag of requirements because disability is a mixed bag.
Issues on the physical side and mind side .
I have learnt ALOT since being involved and am still learning how to understand individual needs.
There are many different adaptations that can be used to help ,eg chest pods for people who cannot place there cameras on tripods on the floor.


I personally am hugly intressted in sports photography
 
I am a disabled photographer. I have severe inoperable spine problems and cant walk more than about 100 yds and suffer constant pain. However I love life and enjoy my photography. I drive, which is wonderful as it means I can get around and take pictures close to the road. I dont think I need any, disability related, help with photography at the moment. I am very grateful to the people on this forum who have encouraged my very amateurish efforts at photography with my little point and shoot camera and have given me advice.(I shall be asking for advice on which DSLR soon as I am saving up).

Before I developed my health problems I worked as a psychologist primarily with people with learning disabilties.I am sure that, if any of you wanted to, your local mencap or adult learning disabilty training centre would be grateful for help with showing their learning disabled clients how to take good photographs and maybe lending or donating any unwanted point and shoot cameras for them to try.Helping a person with a learning disability to learn a new skill is very rewarding as they may not have achieved much before.Some people may feel awkward about meeting people with learning disabilities but working with them was great and most are exceptionally friendly and appreciative.
 
I have Multiple Sclerosis which causes problems with mobility and also the use of my hands. I struggle with anything intricate like doing up shirt buttons or tying shoelaces but fortunately I don't have too many issues using a camera so, at the moment, I don't have any specific needs in that area although, with the nature of the disease, Who knows for the future.
 
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