Reinventing The Wheel Tour

BACKBONES Presents REINVENTING THE WHEEL: Stories of Life After Spinal Cord Injury A traveling photography exhibit 21 People with Spinal Cord Injury 21 Photographers 21 Stories About ABILITY VIEW ONLINE EXHIBIT HERE. The result of an online “disability” image search will most often generate somber, sad, and hopeless imagery that perpetuates stereotypes and fails to reflect the real lives of individuals with disabilities. Contrary to popular beliefs, people with disabilities can live happy and successful lives, are active members of their communities, and make important contributions to society. In an age of constant media bombardment, the power of visual representation cannot be underestimated. Images not only shape our ideas of who we are as individuals but influence ideas of who we are as members of society. Reinventing the Wheel is a collection of imagery and visual storytelling that reflects the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Twenty one people with SCI matched with twenty one photographers from cities nationwide created photo essays through a realistic, positive and creative lens. The exhibit launched at the National Museum of Health + Medicine Chicago and has toured to New York as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival and Washington State University for Disability Awareness Month. The impact of this project is lasting, as people not only experience art and photography but experience community, and diverse groups of people are brought together in an inclusive environment that celebrates true diversity and difference. To bring Reinventing the Wheel to a gallery, venue or event near you please contact: Reveca Torres, Executive Director of BACKBONES, at info@backbonesonline.com

Read more about the history of the project. Thank You to our Partners! Housing & Healthcare Finance, LLC National Museum of Health + Medicine Chicago Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Blueprint Healthcare Performance Mobility JCC Manhattan Reelabilities NY WSU Student Diversity Center