Patricia Lay-Dorsey Addresses Her Disability In Self-Portraiture
Vasiliki Marapas — July 17, 2014 — Fashion
References: patricialaydorsey & featureshoot
Detroit-based photographer Patricia Lay-Dorsey's disabled photography series, titled 'Falling Into Place,' documents her struggle with chronically progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
The former marathon runner had to adjust to a life in which walking was no longer feasible. Despite its difficulties, the disability hasn't kept Lay-Dorsey from enjoying a full life. For instance, her love of techno music as earned her the moniker of "Grandma Techno" in certain circles around Detroit. But more importantly, to share her personal experience with such a debilitating affliction is reflective of her benevolent spirit.
Of the project, Lay-Dorsey says, "One thing I knew for sure was that non-disabled persons were at a disadvantage in understanding both the joys and challenges of living with a disability. It was all too easy for them to make assumptions about my life, assumptions that were incorrect."
The former marathon runner had to adjust to a life in which walking was no longer feasible. Despite its difficulties, the disability hasn't kept Lay-Dorsey from enjoying a full life. For instance, her love of techno music as earned her the moniker of "Grandma Techno" in certain circles around Detroit. But more importantly, to share her personal experience with such a debilitating affliction is reflective of her benevolent spirit.
Of the project, Lay-Dorsey says, "One thing I knew for sure was that non-disabled persons were at a disadvantage in understanding both the joys and challenges of living with a disability. It was all too easy for them to make assumptions about my life, assumptions that were incorrect."
Trend Themes
1. Disability Self-portraiture - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include developing assistive technologies for disabled photographers.
2. Personal Experience Sharing - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include developing new platforms for personal experience sharing to increase understanding and empathy, including AI-powered audio and video recognition tools.
3. Diversifying Representation in Media - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include partnering with diverse media outlets and content creators to increase representation of disabled individuals in mainstream media.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include developing new tools and technologies that make photography more accessible for people with disabilities.
2. Social Media - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include developing new social media platforms that prioritize personal experience sharing and representation of diverse identities and experiences.
3. Journalism - Disruptive innovation opportunities may include developing new journalistic practices and platforms that prioritize stories and perspectives from underrepresented communities, including those with disabilities.
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