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International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A look at the work of disabled photographers from around the world.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Unmute Dance Group performing at Liverpool Biennial 2023 - Pete Carr

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Hello out there. I’ve been disabled all my life, but I only found with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at 40. After 6 years, I’m still coming to terms with that, forgetting that I am disabled and working out how to build a sustainable future for myself. At least there’s a day for us, so I’m having a doughnut and looking at the work of other disabled photographers. 

Justin Cooper

A view down the middle of Franklin Street, entirely empty of cars. The street is covered by the industrial elevated tracks of the “L” train. Patterns of light dapple on the empty gray street, creating an interplay of light and shadow. A single pedestrian crosses the expansive street.
A view down the middle of Franklin Street, entirely empty of cars. The street is covered by the industrial elevated tracks of the “L” train. Patterns of light dapple on the empty gray street, creating an interplay of light and shadow. A single pedestrian crosses the expansive street.

Justin is a Black and disabled photographer from Chicago. In 2021, his photography project ‘Through the lens’ documented the city from the perspective of his wheelchair. Sadly Justin died in July 2024.

As a Black wheelchair user, I employ my photography as an evidentiary tool that addresses issues of access during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this continuing and growing project is to bring attention to the ways disability is defined by societal, environmental, social, and physical barriers that restrict leisure and quality of life for people with mobility impairments. 

Isobel Greenhalgh

Through a prism-like lens, a person sits and looks at the camera. They are wearing a British Bulldog t-shirt.
Through a prism-like lens, a person sits and looks at the camera. They are wearing a British Bulldog t-shirt.

Isobel (they/she) is a Queer, Autistic photographer from Manchester with ADHD specialising in portraits, events and commercial work. I love their work. Bold, colourful, and fun, and their whole website shows their passion for creating inclusive content. They love purple, too. 

Shannon Collins

Two people kiss in a forest. One, of Indian heritage, has a crutch under their left arm.
Two people kiss in a forest. One, of Indian heritage, has a crutch under their left arm.

Another Queer, Autistic photographer with ADHD is Shannon (they/them) from Philadelphia. Specialising in weddings and portraits, their portfolio is wonderfully diverse, vibrant, loving, warm, and life-affirming. Do take a look.

Shona Louise

A woman uses her wheelchair to perform dance moves.
A woman uses her wheelchair to perform dance moves.

Shona is a theatre, live events and portrait photographer from London. 

As a disabled woman she is also passionate about improving representation of disabled people across theatre and the media, as well as helping to empower disabled people through photography.

Shona works from a wheelchair, and her photography is as good as anyone I know in the events scene. 

Adriano Kalin

A Black man jumps out of the water.
A Black man jumps out of the water.

Adriano (he/him), from Chicago, lives with a traumatic brain injury and chronic back pain. On his Instagram he sum’s up why it is important to commission disabled photographers and buy prints/zines from them.

i try to use using my lens to capture the resilience and humanity of marginalized communities. My art isn’t just my passion—it’s my livelihood. As someone who never knows when a flare-up might stop me from working, creating and selling my prints allows me to support myself in a way that works with my health.
Every print I create tells a story you won’t find in big box stores—stories of real people, real struggles, and real hope. When you choose to support artists like me, you’re not just decorating your home; you’re investing in something meaningful.

Lastly there’s a half hour chat with pet and wildlife photographer Jen Read that discusses disability and working as a photographer. Worth a listen to.

I’ve enjoyed browsing these people’s work. I can’t pretend to know what life is like for these photographers, but I do know what it is like for me. I need support, and the world just isn’t fully there for us. Maybe one day. Until then, keep sharing/supporting disabled photographers.

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