Utilizing Photovoice in Community Practice: Giving voice to People Living with Disabilities

The objective of this presentation is to provide a fresh perspective on both how to engage a community, in this case people living with disabilities, as well as influence public policymakers. By sharing the main lessons learned in our project, we hope to assist others in employing the Photovoice methodology in community practice. Photovoice is a unique methodology for cultivating empowerment, educating the community, and advancing advocacy efforts. As a strengths-based practice, we learned that Photovoice facilitates the development of social networks among participants and acts to increase their sense of empowerment. In addition, this approach provided a foundation for creating public dialogue which allowed participants to educate the public about living with a disability. Moreover, the overall intent of the photographs and respective dialogue is to promote positive policy change for the benefit of those living with disabilities. As a collaborative effort among local organizations in Pittsburgh, the project provided cameras for people with all types of disabilities¬¬- physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, sensory, and cognitive-and invited them to share their stories through discussion and photographs. The intent of the project was to provide individuals a medium for expression, as well as utilize the photographs in breaking down stigma, promoting inclusion, and fostering critical thinking within the Pittsburgh community. Through this project, we learned that Photovoice can be a valuable vehicle for engaging those seldom having an active voice within the community.