The first thing that comes to my mind when I see the word identity is how the way people view themselves changes based off how others view them. This goes along with the cliche idea of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” In our society people judge others based off the way they look without ever getting to know the person on the inside.

For my photo I touched on an issue close to my heart. Nearly 19% of the US population have an intellectual or developmental disability. Unfortunately, many people are ignorant to what this truly means. These people are no different than anyone else, they are just as able to do the things all other people do. Everyone in the world has their strengths and weaknesses, and because these people are labeled by their disability they are unable to be successful and live a full life.

Pictured, is my friend Austin. He has a disability by which way too many people define him. I don’t see his disability. I see my friend, who is caring and kind and hilarious. Not to mention he is and awesome auto-mechanic. He loves cars and knows way more about them than anyone I know.

He has told me multiple stories about people bullying him and it breaks my heart because he believes that what these people are saying is true. He’s told me he is tired of being “retarded.” No one should ever have to feel this way.

With my photo I wanted to showcase Austin’s talents. I wanted to show he is so much more than his disability. I followed him around his auto-mechanic class while he taught me so many things I didn’t know about engines and cars. This photo is not staged, he is not acting. I was able to capture the genuine joy he feels when in this class, showing off his talents.

My goal with this artwork is to show that having a disability does not make you stupid, or unable to do things other's without disabilities can do. Austin is a perfect example of this, he fixed up his own car, something few people can do. His disability does not limit him in anyway, other people's judgments are the only thing holding him back from reaching his full potential.