It's National Park Week, and while many people are going to the parks, camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors, many National Parks trails, amenities, tours residencies and workshops are not fully accessible to disabled photographers & artists like me.
I created The Disabled Photographer Project & my How Accessible Is Accessible travel series because having access matters! I got tired of not having full access to things, especially outdoors, so I decided to do something about it! I am a disabled photographer who is here to join the fight & help bring change because Disabled people matter! We have the right to being outside, just like everyone else to enjoy the healing energy and beauty nature offers us, and ADA is the law!
I hope that by acknowledging the parks that have been working hard to make everything accessible for everyone, and what they have been doing to be ADA compliant, that other parks will follow their lead by example!
I am aware of the fact that my mission is a big challenge, but I am I'm willing to fight for my equal rights, like many disabled people before me have! I know I am not alone in this fight to bring awareness to accessibility issues, because one billion people, that's 15% of the world's population experience some form of disability!
There may be some things that are accessible, but it's not enough! Having some accessibility is not the same as having full accessibility! I'm doing everything I can from making videos, writing blogs, and taking photographs to help bring awareness in a positive light, in hopes of building a community, while bringing more awareness and change.
I trust that my research, area exploration, and personal experience sharing have been beneficial! I initiated this project in 2017. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of revisiting locations multiple times to provide updated information. This not only benefits me but also aids individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. Moreover, it helps raise awareness among trail users and park staff.
If you appreciate my blog and find the content in my blogs, TikToks, and YouTube videos useful, you can show your support for my project by making a donation. Any amount is welcome as every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. Sustaining this project requires significant investments of time, money, and effort. I have poured my heart, soul, and resources into it, and the knowledge that my work is creating an impact motivates me to continue. Your donation will assist in funding my time, research, planning, travel, gas, accommodation, scouting, photography, memory cards, hard drives, and the creation of content shared in YouTube videos, blogs, Instagram posts, TikToks, and more.
Thank you for backing The Disabled Photographer Project! If you wish to contribute, you can make a donation here:
The project is also currently seeking partnerships, sponsors, grants, and ambassadorships. For inquiries contact Denise Vasquez denisevasquezphotography@gmail.com
If you are considering hiring me for consultations, photography, content creation, workshops, or panels, please don't hesitate to reach out via the contact form on my website.
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