Art can inspire conversations and destroy misconceptions. That’s why Elizabeth Howley and Mary Townley asked local photographers to pick up their cameras and capture compelling images of adults with disabilities who are thriving in RVA.
“We wanted to inspire young people with disabilities to set goals and dream big by giving them successful role models—their own peers,” says Howley, who serves as executive director of The Next Move Program, a Richmond based nonpro t providing educational experiences to young adults with disabilities as they transition into the workforce.
Richmond’s photography community, including James Loving, Matt Pochily, Lauren Roberts, Luke Witt, and other local talent, responded to Howley and Townley’s call to action and the #capABLE campaign was hatched. A compelling series of photos, #capABLE features people with disabilities working, volunteering, continuing their education, and engaging in the Richmond community.
Pia Scott, a resident at The Virginia Home, is one of the featured Richmonders in the #capABLE campaign. A graduate of J. Sargeant Reynolds, Scott is planning to continue her education at Full Sail Uni- versity in Music Production and dreams of becoming a music producer
in Atlanta. “I make beats and put them on SoundCloud, and I write music in my head,” explains Scott. “I might be disabled but that does not make me who I am. We disabled people are pretty normal, just with some challenges.”
In between her musical pursuits, Scott says that she enjoys the food scene popping up in RVA. “I love the food around here—especially the soul food. I love the chicken at Family Secrets.”
Zak Ford, also featured in #capABLE, is quick to share his success. Ford, who exudes a calm con dence, works for a growing biotech com- pany in Richmond. His con dence has grown as he has become more independent, living and working on his own in RVA. Every day Ford uses the GRTC system to travel from his townhouse in Henrico to a job that makes an impact.
“I work for a lab…I like to help save people’s lives and help the doctors,” explains Ford. “I solve problems. I challenge myself.” For fun, Ford says that he enjoys music, theater, food, and an occasional brew.
Visit thenextmoveprogram.com/capable for more stories and to view the entire campaign. Richmond Grid is a proud sponsor of #capABLE.