Shelly Baer: Bold Beauty Project
Preface
As I entered the fifth year of my photo essay journey, I was looking for fresh ideas. I realized that I know a number of people who go above and beyond in their efforts to do good for others. Some forgo more lucrative jobs to follow their passion for doing good. Others put themselves at some level of risk, whether it’s physical or emotional. Most of the time these stories go untold. I’ve decided to put the spotlight on “Amazing People Who Make A Difference.” They deserve recognition and their example can be an inspiration for others. In 2018 I’m doing a series of stories about those whose efforts touch so many.
This story is dedicated to Shelly Baer, founder of the Bold Beauty Project: photography shows of women with disabilities. Having significant disabilities, putting herself out there for the world to see and creating this extraordinary program are acts of amazing courage.
Introduction
She walks on stage with some degree of difficulty, turns to the audience and offers this bold invitation: Stare at Me! This was September 2011 and 47-year-old Shelly Baer asked the public to do something she couldn’t have conceived of in younger years. Her invitation brought an audible gasp because of her obvious disabilities. Years ago she would have avoided such responses by hiding the extreme effects of arthritis- staying out of public view and wearing baggy clothes. The title of her TEDxMIA talk (local TED talk in Miami) says it all: “The Beauty of Disability” (youtube.com/watch?v=xX1Job6O60E). Shelly has discovered that she IS beautiful and worthy of admiring stares.
We live in a world which values perfection at all levels with physical perfection at the top of the list. A person is either a “10” or a “0.” This pressure is most intense for women who often reach for something which can never be achieved. Media retouches images of women to delete all signs of reality leading to a look that can only be described as plastic.
Where does this leave women with disabilities, particularly with disabilities that are visible? It can mean hiding in the shadows, covering up, looking away from critical and even sympathetic stares, being marginalized from opportunities that are well within their capabilities, never experiencing intimacy. This is not the life that Shelly Baer has chosen for herself, or the life she wants for any woman with disabilities. They deserve all that life has to offer: friendship, activity, career, romance- they deserve it all!
Shelly wants people to stare at women with disabilities- not to see what’s wrong with them, but to see what’s right with them- to see their beauty, both inside and out. She created the Bold Beauty Project, a visual arts exhibition that features women with varying disabilities… Women, referred to as models, are photographed by accomplished photographers in settings that can be fashion, sports, sexy- whatever is right for them. Sometimes their disabilities are exposed and sometimes they’re not. However they choose to be photographed, they're offering themselves for the world to see.
Shelly’s concept offers enormous benefit: building the self-esteem of women with disabilities leading to a fuller life; changing the public’s reaction to people with disabilities from avoidance and pity, to attraction and admiration.
Shelly's Story
Shelly Baer (54), has a bachelors degree in psychology and special education, and a master’s degree in social work. She is Director of Leadership Training Initiatives at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Mailman Center for Child Development. This sounds perfectly normal for an intelligent and capable person, despite her disabilities- as it should be.
Shelly was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic (cause unknown) arthritis at just three years old: I got the type which gets into all the joints in the body; I have pretty severe deformities in various joints- there’s no cartilage left; it affects my mobility and the ability to do some daily living tasks, but I adapt to do every thing that I can do independently- I’m able to drive and walk… She refers to herself as the “bionic-woman” because of the many surgeries and joint replacements she has endured.
Her condition was slow to progress: It didn't happen overnight so I was able to do most everything other people could do, but I wasn’t athletic and wasn't able to run around… At fourteen I was using a wheelchair- it’s interesting, I don't remember it that well because you deny it so you can cope.
Growing up, Shelly faced inevitable challenges to acceptance: Kids made fun of me and were always staring; my hands and feet didn't grow, and my growth was stunted… We didn't have the term "bullying" back then, but there were derogatory comments like: “Why can’t you walk right?”… There was the feeling of being different and wanting to fit in and being like everyone else- it was hard… I always had friends, but I was shy and quiet, especially as I got older with boys and dating… Acceptance of my disability was a process- it happened more in graduate school where I finally found my voice.
Shelly’s career hasn’t been impacted by her disabilities: I work with adults and with kids, but I always had a little fear about working with kids because of how they would look at me… I’ve worked with kids and teenagers with chronic illness as a clinical social worker; I can relate to them at a different level from a regular social worker- my situation gives me a different perspective about what they’re going through- I loved it!
Another dimension for Shelly, and for any woman with disabilities, is they have the same desires and hopes held by all women… Shelly admits to having felt “less than” in her life: I definitely did; I would always compare myself to others and I didn't feel that I measured up… I never had a boyfriend in high school or college, but starting in my 20’s I dated a lot and I was able to come out of my shell; the external validation from men was very important for me to see myself in a different way- it allowed me to see myself as pretty- I had never looked at myself in the mirror.… Shelly got married three years ago: I never thought it would happen for me! Sadly her marriage has ended, but that’s just part of a normal life.
Her willingness and even the desire to be seen was a big change for Shelly: I’m not self conscious like I used to be- I always felt invisible and wanted to hide… Now I do public speaking- I used to have such a fear of speaking in public settings but now I’m out of that shell; I share my story with future doctors, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Being seen is one thing, but the Bold Beauty Project puts femininity on the line: The view of feminine perfection makes things worse for women with disabilities- it’s another level of an unrealistic standard placed on women… It’s devastating because you don't see women in magazines and in the media who look like you; you don’t have any role models that you can look up to- it really affects young girls’ self esteem… I never saw married women who had my same disabilities... By her forties, Shelly had come out of the shadows and was ready to change the world for women with disabilities.
Bold Beauty Project
The Bold Beauty Project had its beginning when Shelly was serving on the board of the Center for Independent Living in Miami, a nonprofit that works with people with disabilities: A photographer saw a beautiful woman on the street in a wheelchair and wanted to photograph her nude for a calendar; he brought the idea to us and we thought of a fund raising concept for the Center… The photographer asked if I wanted to be one of the models- I certainly wasn't thinking about that for me, but I was so flattered that he thought I could be a model.
The calendar idea led to the first show in 2006: We brought the idea to the board of the Center but they weren't comfortable with the nudity angle and I didn't like the idea of a calendar because it felt exploitative- then I thought of a photography show.
Shelly wanted to shock people because we never associate disabilities with sex and sexuality: I wanted to create an in-your-face exhibit, not porn but very outside the box… As we started gathering models, many weren’t comfortable with it either, so we changed the concept and made it more about beauty, sensuality and empowerment- however the woman defines herself as beautiful… A few of the women, and I was one of them, wanted to pose nude; when they asked me to be one of the models I said “yes”- I usually analyze everything, but I didn't hesitate!
There have been five shows: Miami (2006) and New York City (2014) were done under the name “Raw Beauty”… Three more shows were done under the new name “Bold Beauty Project”: Washington DC (2015), Miami (2016), and Philadelphia (2018)… We want to go into different cities and communities to have similar impact- we want to have these women be role models for young girls with disabilities… Ultimately we want to create a movement- Bold Beauty Projects all over the U.S. and globally!
The response to the Bold Beauty Project has been very strong: Most women are excited to do this- we haven't had any difficulty finding women once we get the word out and actually we have to turn people away- it’s incredible; but of course some women will be uncomfortable with the sensuality we’re trying to achieve.
The response from photographers has been strong as well: It began as a learning experience for emerging fashion photographers who were used to photographing perfect women- we had great feedback from the students… And now we have prominent photographers getting involved- last year in Miami we had Pulitzer Prize winners.
The shows, usually occurring in art galleries, are attended by the models, photographers, family and friends, and the disability community: It brings out diverse disabilities- you never see so many wheelchairs in one place; able-bodied people are the minority at these events, and that’s something we hope to change as we become better known.
And what about the impact on Shelly Baer herself: I’m blown away; I’m so grateful- it’s a labor of love for me… This changed my life on so many levels; being a model for a day; my self-esteem was OK but it took me to another level; the images were billboard sized- I didn't recognize myself- it was a life altering experience… If I had seen something like this as a teenager I wouldn’t have had such insecurity.
Bold Beauty Project Philadelphia
Replicating the Bold Beauty Project in new cities means inspiring local teams to take the reins: This is a big job taking up to a year to engage a team, find a venue, enroll up to twenty models and twenty photographers, find sponsors and supporters, conduct photoshoots, and produce final images.
Shelly’s passion is infectious. Bold Beauty Project Philadelphia had a board of more than ten volunteers who spent so much of their time over so many months: There were moments when I thought we’d never make it, but we did and we’re so proud, particularly of the models and photographers. (Cheryl Ochs, Philadelphia Board Chair)
In an act of generosity and partnership, MossRehab (part of the Einstein Healthcare Network) offered to host the Bold Beauty Project along side their annual exhibition: “All About Art,” a showcase for artists with disabilities (April 15-May 31, 2018, Elkins Park Pennsylvania): Along with the mission of rebuilding people’s bodies, an important mission for MossRehab is to advocate for people with disabilities- yes they have disabilities but they also have abilities, including artistic abilities; we’re so happy that the Bold Beauty Project chose MossRehab as its partner for this show. (Julie Hensler-Cullen, MossRehab’s Director of Quality and Education, speaking at the opening reception). The Bold Beauty Project show will move to other venues in the Philadelphia area.
The show consisted of seventeen extraordinary portraits, each accompanied by the model’s and their photographer’s inspiring statements. It would have been eighteen but sadly one model passed away before completing the photoshoot.
Shelly welcomed guests at the opening with her warm smile.
She spent time with people who have disabilities- sometimes to share words of wisdom.
Sometimes just to listen.
The exhibition hall filled to capacity.
Many poured over the portraits and model's statements... Model Marie Kelly photographed by William Jordan.
Model Stephanie Pearce photographed by Mickie Rosen.
Model April Murdock photographed by Cathie Berrey-Green.
Some boiled over with pride like this model... Model Leah Telfair photographed by Ellie Seif.
Some were overwhelmed with emotion... Model Dejua Tiller photographed by Carolyn Johnson.
Presentations
After spending time with the portraits, the large crowd was called together for comments by the Bold Beauty Project team and for acknowledgements. After the photographers took a collective bow, it was time for the stars of the show: Lauren Beller, model coordinator, introduced the models who exhibited their “Grit and Grace”- the Philadelphia theme coined by Bill Jordan, photography coordinator and curator. Fifteen of the models are pictured below along with excerpts from their statements. It is so clear that the Bold Beauty Project has met its goal for these Bold and Beautiful women.
All of the show’s portraits and statements can be viewed on-line at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yeLGtF_uhJp3ZSnoAJ-wJYOXN1ymTl51. You can learn more at www.boldbeautyproject.com.
Allison McCool, Multiple Sclerosis: I hope that others begin to view me and all physically disabled people from a different perspective, as humans with bodies that merely work differently. Life is always a significant challenge for us, but we still have feelings, wish to be loved by others, and can think and converse.
April Murdock, Incomplete Paraplegic: Hate (from a brutal attack) altered my life forever, but had it not happened, I'd have never met or made friends with some of the most loving and caring people on the planet. I consider myself extremely lucky today.
Yolanda Brutley-Dugger, Transverse Myelitis:
I choose...
to live by choice, not by chance
to be motivated, not manipulated
to be useful, not used
to make change, not excuses
to excel, not compete
I choose self-esteem, not self-pity
I choose to listen to my inner-voice, not to the random opinions of others
Bold Beauty Project Co-Director Eva Ritvo stands behind her.
Christine DelPaggio, Incomplete Quadriplegia: I am a confident woman who has rebuilt my life (after an accident) and found a powerful voice with a renewed sense of purpose. I am an example of someone who believes that anything is possible with prayer, perseverance, and kindness. I may do it differently, but it's possible. I desire to give hope and inspiration.
Susan Ginyard Loving, Multiple Sclerosis: When I heard about the Bold Beauty Project, I knew I wanted to participate. Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I think I’m unattractive. My message to people is that you are beautiful on the inside, and you can also be beautiful on the outside when you express what you have inside.
Harriet Go, Blind: If I had let others’ low expectations of me prevail during my student teaching experience, I know I would not be where I am today. Life is not what happens to you, but it is what you decide to do about what happens.
Marie Kelly, Cerebral Palsy/Deaf: I went to Elwyn (services for people with disabilities) and was a good worker for twelve years. People assume I have cognitive issues, but I could show I didn’t when I worked so hard.
Erin McNulty, Down Syndrome: Erin enjoyed her participation in the Bold Beauty Project and had her own beliefs affirmed throughout the process. For example, women don’t need makeup to be beautiful; being natural is beautiful. It reinforced her idea that our beauty comes from inside… If people learn one thing from Erin’s photo, she would like it to be not to judge anyone and to treat everyone with respect.
Stephanie Pearce, Cerebral Palsy/Spinal Cord Injury/Anorexia: I chose to do a photo where I felt empowered and strong and was able to see myself in a different light… While I experience obstacles every day, I am able to find happiness and peace through my faith in this journey I call life.
Claire Senita, Spinal Cord Injury: (During the photoshoot) I was thinking about all the hardships that I went through, how, like steel, being put under extreme circumstances made me a stronger person. I was thinking about all the times I wanted so badly to give up, but I didn't. I thought about everything I have achieved so far with my new body and all the things I will succeed in in the future.
Lauren Shipman, Quadriplegia/Cerebral Palsy: (As an athlete) I have become accustomed to people telling me that I cannot do certain tasks because they are “impossible” for someone who uses a wheelchair. Well, I am a true testament to making the impossible possible.
Leah Telfair, Cerebral Palsy: If I could say that there was one thing that I wanted you to take away from my story, it would be that happiness is a beautiful thing, and in finding mine, I saw the beauty that other people always told me I had and never seemed to see in myself.
Dejua Tiller, Osteogenesis Imperfecta: I am very confident and comfortable with my size, but when I was asked to be a part of the Bold Beauty Project, being depicted as bigger was the first thing I thought about… "Dejua's beauty is bold both inside and out." - my friend Adrianne Dunn.
Tiffany Daniels, Multiple Sclerosis/Diabetes: My passion is comedy; I love to laugh in rhyme. If you get to know me better, you will say Tiffany is both KIND and CLEVER. Ha!
Lauren Beller, Arthrogryposis/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Learning Disability/Mental Health Disorders: Beauty is physical; it’s sex appeal; it’s thin, white, fit, young, and able. This debased definition has hurt all of us, and people with disabilities may understand this pain more than most... In my day to day life, I am an advocate for disability rights and positive sexuality education, but mostly I try to be an example of the power of love and compassion amongst people.
Surrounded by family and friends, Shelly made her closing remarks followed by well deserved applause: Bold Beauty changed my life and I want other woman to have this powerful transformational experience to redefine how we see beauty and disability… You can see from all these photographs and the stories that Bold Beauty has helped these models make that transformation… I’m so so grateful to the team in Philadelphia, the models and photographers; I also want to thank my co-director Eva Ritvo as well.
Shelly’s mom Sandy has always had her back: It’s amazing to se my daughter create something that means so much to people and we’re learning that this experience is transformative to both the models and photographers... When she took her clothes off to pose nude for the Bold Beauty Project, it was transformative for her- it allowed her to shed the invisibility she protected for so long.
A Mother’s Words About A Child With Disabilities
Sandy Baer kindly provided these extraordinary words. More than anyone else, she can see Shelly’s transformation from a very seriously ill child to an amazing person whose goal is to change the world for women with disabilities:
My husband Ken and I were overjoyed when our first child, a healthy baby girl, arrived into the world. Three years later, we learned that Shelly had a chronic disease that would shape the rest of her life. Despite the fact that Ken was studying to become a physician, we weren’t prepared to face the ups and downs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis- in its most debilitating form. Watching our beautiful young daughter cry out in pain, helpless to relieve her suffering, was agonizing. Seeing her joints become misshapen, and trying everything to prevent their deformity, but to no avail, was heartbreaking. We wanted Shelly to be like other children, to play, to run, to have fun, but it wasn’t to be. We experienced much emotional turmoil until we accepted that fact.
As the disease progressed and Shelly became more limited physically, she began to withdraw, first at doctor appointments, and then in social settings. She was reluctant to engage with people. But the “mean girls” found her anyway, and I watched in disgust as they whispered, giggled and stared at my daughter.
Yet, I wanted her to experience normal child activities. I enrolled her in ballet classes, showed her how to ride a two-wheeler bicycle and arranged for piano and ice-skating lessons. On one hand, she was part of the able-bodied world, but on the other hand, as time went by, things were getting more and more difficult. Her joints were starting to become very painful, and she was having trouble walking. We turned to experts for advice. Ken knew of a renowned pediatric rheumatologist in London, so we took the whole family there to hear her thoughts. “If you want Shelly to walk again both hips need to be replaced now.” Shelly was 14.
Fast forward to the present: Shelly has had two hip synovectomies (surgical removal of the membrane that lines joint) at age four; four hip replacements on the right side; two hip replacements on the left side; both knees have been replaced; synovectomies of both wrists; fusion of the right wrist; surgeries on each ankle; wedge re-sections on both heels; two maxillofacial surgeries, on the upper jaw one summer and on the lower jaw the next (due to temporomandibular joint involvement).
After all that Shelly endured and how it impacted her personally, never did I dream that she would become such an inspiring leader and role model in the disability community! Yet, I think there was always a courageous, daring, resilient and sensual spirit simmering inside her eagerly waiting to emerge! Today she encourages people with disabilities to be visible in all aspects of society! ‘No more hiding the wheelchair under blankets, like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt did,’ she said.
A Sister Words About Challenges To Come
Shelly’s sister Suzie confirms that when a loving family is involved, everyone is part of the illness, and where possible, the greatness to come- surly the case for Shelly Baer.
“Green-Eyed Girl”… (selected excerpts)
Gazing at the wall of cluttered photographs in my parents’ family room, my eyes are always drawn to one particular photo, which still evokes mixed memories. It is a picture of my older sister, Shelly, and me.
She is radiant and glowing, picture perfect. I am not. What stirs a somber memory is knowing that she will soon endure endless suffering.
Shelly looks beautiful. Her dazzling smile lights up her face. Her vibrant green eyes express a look of joy as though she doesn’t have a care in the world.
I do not look happy. My round face appears sad and sullen. My big brown eyes stare at the camera expressionless. I am not smiling. I appear to be pouting as though I lost my favorite doll.
Sadly, this photograph is not a true representation of events that will come to pass. This beautiful, smiling, green-eyed girl will soon become the victim of a merciless disease. Although her disability is not life threatening, her dazzling smile will fade and her eyes will lose their sparkle, as she struggles to cope with a mighty challenge.
Looking at this picture, I see my beautiful sister full of energy and life. She has so much to offer with a wonderful future ahead of her. It is unfair that fate could deal such a harsh affliction to such an innocent child.
Why was it her and not me?
Shelly’s Words About Life On A Stage
It would be so easy to fall into sadness for a person afflicted as is Shelly. But the message of the Bold Beauty Project is to turn that sadness into courage and passion for life as Shelly and all the models have done.
When I planned the TEDxMIA talk I started thinking about being on a stage; I thought about the different stages of my life: the first stage was about being poked and prodded by doctors and not knowing what was going on- that was a stage I didn’t want to be on; the next stage was when I got older and became more visible and kids were staring at me and making fun of me- another stage I didn’t want to be on; and the last stage is what I’m doing with the Bold Beauty Project which is how I want to be seen.
Shelly’s goal is to have everyone with disabilities experience that third stage for themselves- coming out into the world as beautiful capable people.
Shelly’s goal is to have everyone with disabilities experience that third stage for themselves- coming out into the world as beautiful capable people.
And Words About Her Evolution
To Become The Leader Of A Movement
And Words About Her Evolution
To Become The Leader Of A Movement
Shelly has written extensively about her journey.
“Interrupted”… (selected excerpts)
Girl, Interrupted by Diagnosis: I was diagnosed at age 3 with JRA (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), or “Arthur” as my other friends with JRA call it. I got the worst kind, polyarticular, the type that affects every joint; my mom always said I never do anything small.
Teen, Interrupted by Surgeries: I soon needed to become bionic. I had total hip replacements at age 14. My body was changing and my friends were dating. I wasn’t. I was small and undeveloped. I wasn’t worried about not walking, I was worried about never growing boobs.
Young Adult, Interrupted-More Surgeries: It took me until graduate school, mid-twenties, to take the control of my care. Even though it was easier to let my parents take care of things, I began to speak up. I had two more surgeries in-between graduate school, a revision of the right hip replacement and total knee replacements. (Now I’m truly bionic)
A Woman, Integrated: When I felt comfortable enough with my body to co-create a photography exhibit of 20 women with disabilities and posed nude at 42...
Shelly has written extensively about her journey.
“Interrupted”… (selected excerpts)
Girl, Interrupted by Diagnosis: I was diagnosed at age 3 with JRA (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), or “Arthur” as my other friends with JRA call it. I got the worst kind, polyarticular, the type that affects every joint; my mom always said I never do anything small.
Teen, Interrupted by Surgeries: I soon needed to become bionic. I had total hip replacements at age 14. My body was changing and my friends were dating. I wasn’t. I was small and undeveloped. I wasn’t worried about not walking, I was worried about never growing boobs.
Young Adult, Interrupted-More Surgeries: It took me until graduate school, mid-twenties, to take the control of my care. Even though it was easier to let my parents take care of things, I began to speak up. I had two more surgeries in-between graduate school, a revision of the right hip replacement and total knee replacements. (Now I’m truly bionic)
A Woman, Integrated: When I felt comfortable enough with my body to co-create a photography exhibit of 20 women with disabilities and posed nude at 42...
Participants' Words About The Bold Beauty Project
Models: What did it mean to be part of this project:
- It was the first time I did anything like this- so exciting; I realized that when you’re happy you are the most beautiful.
- It was cool to show how I’ve transformed in a positive way since my injury- I’m so much more than my disability.
- It’s eye opening to the average person that we are the same, we just have to adapt… You can see our disabilities while other people carry their disabilities inside.
- I’m the first transgender woman to be in the Bold Beauty Project, so that’s huge to be accepted and included; people who see my picture are seeing a trans person for the very first time; it shows society that I’m not different from anyone else.
- It was fabulous to be part of this project- it made me feel really really good.
- Bold Beauty Project gave me a chance to experience other people with disabilities- normally I’m the only person with disabilities in my setting.
Photographers: What did it mean to be part of this project:
- After a short time together I saw her as a person, not the disability.
- Unbelievable experience; it allowed me to connect with the model- she has such a positive spirit.
- I see these people as a little more giant than ordinary people; the model I photographed was so full of energy- it was so inspiring.
- It meant everything- it allowed me to marry my three passions: photography, making people feel beautiful, and social activism.
Attendees- not disabled: Does this make you think differently about people with disabilities:
- It helps me understand that people with disabilities are not defined by what they can’t do.
- I have a friend with a disability and she does so many things.
- The whole project is incredible- it turns something that is seen as so negative into something that is positive.
- I love kayaking but don’t do it very often, but she (the model) is out there doing it all the time- it speaks to her mental strength; in the images I only see abilities.
- We have biases about people with disabilities, but they are very willing to adapt and yet we often write them off as not capable… They are not defined by their disabilities, but rather their abilities.
Final Thoughts
An unfortunate part of the human condition is to write certain people off if they’re not perfect, or the right race, religion or gender. Things begin to change when a standard-bearer brings voice to those who have been pushed aside. There are so many examples like the civil rights movement, universal suffrage, women’s movement. People with disabilities have had their champions as well like those who pushed for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). “Patrisha Wright is known as ‘The General' for her work in coordinating the campaign to enact the ADA.” (Wikipedia)
Results from the ADA are everywhere in society providing support for those in need of assistance. But there’s a gap- those needing support can easily be written off as “less than.” Shelly Baer is a standard-bearer to fill that gap with self-esteem, empowerment, pride, accomplishment from “different-abilities” rather than disabilities, and yes- beauty!
The Bold Beauty Project invites women with disabilities to become full members of society and to have every benefit and opportunity available without ever being defined by their disabilities. More than opportunities, this is about helping these women see themselves as beautiful and appealing, and to realize there is no need for them to miss out on relationships and intimacy.
The Bold Beauty Project makes a strong statement to people without disabilities as well: see people with disabilities for their true selves- for what they have and for the beauty of their uniqueness, and not for what they lack… and never underestimate or look past their capabilities.
It’s so easy to turn away from or see through people with disabilities. It can relieve people without disabilities from their own discomfort and perhaps the thought: This could be me- it could happen in the blink of an eye. Experiencing a Bold Beauty Project show could be equally as transformative to the general population as it is to those with disabilities. As several models pointed out: We ALL have disabilities, for a few it’s visible while for most it’s inside.
Shelly closed her TEDxMIA talk by asking the audience to stare at her again: This time stare at me from a place of beauty!… Shelly’s vision for women with disabilities is very Bold and she is Beautiful. She’s an Amazing Person Who Makes A Difference. Shelly and all the women of the Bold Beauty Project are an inspiration for us all.
And One More Thing
I can’t think about disabilities without thinking of my friend Fred Schwartz who was the subject of the 2014 photo essay: “Living with MS” (http://www.tgoldmanphotography.com/living-with-ms.html)… Fred suffers from ever worsening Multiple Sclerosis. But no matter what the adversity, he always faces it with Grit and Grace… Talk about “different-abilities,” Fred skydived twice to raise awareness about MS: men can also be Bold and Beautiful! You Go Fred!!
Fred skydives with Peter Rovnan of Freefall Adventures (Williamstown, N.J.)... Photo by David Pancake- not my photo, I don’t have Fred’s courage!!
End
Published May 1, 2018