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Disability & Photography
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I came across a post made probably on an old site for this community. The question of a forum topic covering disability was mentioned. Actually a link up with the English disabled photographers society was mooted, as well as the notion of an Irish Disabled Photographic Society, complete with support, mentoring, seminars and so forth.
Has this idea born fruit as it were? I’m asking because being mobility challenged from disability I’m a curious participant. I’ve never had any cause to be unhappy with my present club but the limitations that a disability brings are often ignored. I’m sure it’s only done out of politeness but that doesn’t really help. At present I don’t know if I’d need support, but then again I don’t know what supports could be provided, but I am curious.
Stickman
Just out of idle curiosity, why would you want a Irish Disabled Photographic Society?
Surely there are plenty clubs out there!Not at all John. I’m a member of a club already. The question of a disabled society would really just recognise that a disabled photographer could have limitations. Of course the quality shouldn’t suffer.
Also some help for those who would love to get involved but can’t because they either lack the skills, have no one competent enough to take them under their wing, or just can’t use a camera because they haven’t got the use of one or both arm or they’re mobility is compromised in some way.
I have a freind whose right arm is paralysed from a stroke, has to use a standard tripod and a camera designed for right handed fully functional person. He gets around it, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be made easier. I don’t know what adaptions would be available, but I’m sure they exist.
Hi how about deaf people? Can they join? I have afew that going on a landscape trip once a month but like to have a top landscape photographer but we might not follow and understanding this top photographer.
Do you not think that by creating a club as you suggested you are cutting yourself
off from a lot of help & options? I’m not disabled but I have experience of what it means to be.
There are plenty of able bodied people out there who have
limitations when you put a camera in their hands.
Have you made your feelings known to your club.
These are afterall your words, no one elses.Stickman wrote:
I’ve never had any cause to be unhappy with my present club but the limitations that a disability brings are often ignored.
I’m sure it’s only done out of politeness but that doesn’t really help. StickmanSome people like to help & it is hard looking for help when you don’t want to, but people
are willing but you have to accept it & I know it isn’t easy.Hi John,
I have no issue with my club…end of. Part of a disability, a long term one, is not wishing to be a burden, to anyone. While its important for disabled people to take part in everyday society, there’s no escaping the fact that you’re different.
Speaking for myself, while help is appreciated and always welcome I’d never ask for it. It isn’t pride or independence, I don’t want to put people out. People may be willing to help when they’re asked but I hate having to & I try not to get into a position where it’s necessary. Very often I’ll avoid a situation so as not to put others in a position of discomfort, or at least perceived discomfort.
The idea of a disabled photo society is not to set disabled people apart or segregate them, but to even the playing field somewhat. If a group of disabled people get out together to persue a hobby as creative as photography without having to rely on other peoples kindnesses then all the better. It takes a burden off the shoulders of the disabled person and the obligation off the shoulders of the ‘regular’ person.
None of it requires that anyone has to leave their present club and any and all help would of course be welcome, but as its a disabled society all involved would be under no illusion as to the needs of it members. Besides, all of this is just notional as it doesn’t exist.
And of course deaf people could join.
I can understand in part where you’re coming from & I would like to wish you the best of luck
in both your photography & your endeavours but don’t feel or think that people in your situation are a burden.John.
p.s. Keep those deaf guys at arms length, nothing but trouble!
Thanks John.
You obviously don’t have problem with disability & I’m sure most able bodied people don’t. It’s disabled people who feel discomfort. It doesn’t matter really how often people say that there’s no problem. The ‘feeling’ is still there. At least for me…
But thanks for the vote of confidence, and I’ll keep an eye on those deaf guys, they’re known in the ‘trade’ as trouble makers…ha ha ha!
John17 wrote:
p.s. Keep those deaf guys at arms length, nothing but trouble!
Hi John, i don’t understand this. Is this meant to be funny !?
Well no I don’t find it funny. As a photographer I don find it funny, as a deaf person I don’t find it funny, as a deaf Photographer I don’t find it funny. As a person I don’t find it funny. To be honest it’s just insulting.
You need to relax & stop being so sensitive. It will do you the world of good!
Stickman wrote:
I came across a post made probably on an old site for this community. The question of a forum topic covering disability was mentioned. Actually a link up with the English disabled photographers society was mooted, as well as the notion of an Irish Disabled Photographic Society, complete with support, mentoring, seminars and so forth.
Has this idea born fruit as it were? I’m asking because being mobility challenged from disability I’m a curious participant. I’ve never had any cause to be unhappy with my present club but the limitations that a disability brings are often ignored. I’m sure it’s only done out of politeness but that doesn’t really help. At present I don’t know if I’d need support, but then again I don’t know what supports could be provided, but I am curious.
Stickman
Hey,
I know this a somewhat old post, I would be interested to know if there such communities knocking around Ireland?
I am an amatuer photographer with Asperger’s, so not a physical disability but becomes with it’s set of difficults….
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