Able or not, here I come! Photo Gallery by Patricia Lay-Dorsey at pbase.com

Able or not, here I come!

After having posted my gallery of self portraits called "Facing up to my face at 65", and hearing from viewers that this visual expression of coming to terms with the effects of aging was helpful, it occurred to me that I might do the same with the subject of disability, a subject I know intimately.

In September 1988, I was diagnosed with chronic progressive MS (Multiple Sclerosis). In 1994 I started using a cane. In 1996 I moved up to a walker. And in 2000, I graduated into a mobility scooter. Through it all I brought my artistic sensibilities to the process by decorating my assistive devices. I retain my independence with the help of my wheelchair-accessible minivan, Sojourner Truth.

So here is the start of a gallery of self portraits devoted to what it's like to live in a body that can't always do what you ask of it. I plan to add to this exploration as time goes on. But let us begin on a warm sunny September day with the sounds of jazz swirling around us as we enjoy the wonders of Detroit's 28th annual International Jazz Festival. Next I'll take you along with me to my twice-a-week workout at the gym with my trainer, Matt LaCroix. And, if you're ready, I'll take you along with me as I drive to Washington, DC to mount a solitary vigil for a peaceful rather than military solution to America's issues with Iran. OK, let's go...

OK, so I have to use my "third hand" to open bottles	And holding onto a fork is always a bit iffy	So what if my claps don't make a sound
Hey, Sassy my scooter goes a mean 4 MPH/6.44 KPH !!!	And my feet get to go along for the ride	But NOTHING keeps me down when the beat gets groovin'
Asking for help to put on a band-aid can be kinda humbling. Thanks, Matt.	Love that leg press! We call it The Monster.	OK, so Matt weighs almost 3 times as much as me, but I push back pretty good! Yay, triceps!
Do you think this machine they call the "chest fly" will unsag my breasts?	Independence doesn't come cheap, but in my opinion it is priceless!	Because of my wheelchair-accessible minivan I can even drive by myself from Detroit to Washington, DC
Sure I need two days to drive 500 miles/804.6 km, but an accessible motel room gives me a good night's sleep on the way	So when I get to Washington, DC, I'm ready to take a stand while remaining seated!

comment |

Guest		22-Nov-2007 19:30
Beautiful gallery!

Patricia Lay-Dorsey		28-Sep-2007 04:04
I continue to be touched by your responses to this gallery. It is my intention to add to it when opportunities arise. And living in a differently-abled body will always offer such opportunities!

Phil Douglis		28-Sep-2007 02:07
These images demonstrate your humanity, Patricia in an intimate, honest, open way. The images are rich in spontaneity, varied in content, and add up to a portrait of a human being who gets more from every day than most of us with relatively sound bodies do. You have lived with some degree of disability for 20 years now, yet you seem not to have lost an ounce of energy or a pound of curiosity. More power to you, Patricia.

H2M		20-Sep-2007 11:45
Dear Patricia, you are a beautiful person with a beautiful mind and a beautiful soul!!! Thank you for showing us that joy and hope are everywhere especially inside us. My respect and VOTE . Hélène

Henry Ricci		10-Sep-2007 16:13
We cover it, hide from it, dilute it. It seems that if you have the courage, truth is a beautiful thing. Thanks again Patricia.

Guest		10-Sep-2007 13:42
Patricia, the way you face your disabily (?) will give courage and hope to a lot of people. For me, the limitation is not in the body but in the way we face life.. and you, certainly, don't have it. I also know about this stuff by myself but decided to face it in the best and happiest way as possible.. it is strange, but sometimes physical limitation can be a blessing to our lives when we open our minds and learn form the experience. Keep up with this gallery! Best, Marisa

Lilith		09-Sep-2007 18:39
Interesting gallery. I admire you. Kiss, Lilith

Guest		09-Sep-2007 00:30
These are so wonderful and courageous. I am so happy that you are letting us tag along with you on your adventures, I look forward to keeping up with all that you are up to! Really wonderful gallery, Patricia!

Sabina Salihbasic		08-Sep-2007 10:21
this is a great gallery patricia! and i believe that it takes a lot of courage to make these. so my biggest vote and admiration to you. i have an aunt, which got some problems with her backbone, doctors not knowing exactly what it was. as years past by she changed from one crutch to two, and then to wheelchair (a very simple one, not as modern as your scooter). she does not feel her legs at all for several years now, and has also MS like you, having problems in using one of her hands especially. she is now 59 and is still "willing" to live. i admire her as well so much and every time i feel "not having everything and beeing unhappy" i just think of her. thank you for sharing these! regards, sabina

Carolyn Rasmussen		07-Sep-2007 13:26
You are an optimist deluxe! V

Sheila		07-Sep-2007 11:08
I am woman was written for you. You are one strong lady.

123		06-Sep-2007 16:41
You are wonderful just as you are. Love it!!! V

Guest		05-Sep-2007 18:47
I love your gallery. You're very funny and have a spirit that I really admire. Big vote!

RadioWonder		05-Sep-2007 17:46
Bravo! Very inspiring... GMV

Matt Michels		05-Sep-2007 16:01
That Matt kid looks like a stud. Besides that, you are a ray of sunshine everytime I see you. ~Matt M.

kyoung kim photography		05-Sep-2007 15:36
What a wondeful gallery, Love the way you face life and live it!~V

Guest		05-Sep-2007 09:34
As others have made comment ... you are a wonderful inspiration, Patricia. Thank you for going to the trouble of preparing this gallery. Sincerely, Brian.

Guest		05-Sep-2007 02:23
Patricia, having known you and seen how you live life to the fullest, without letting your disability get in the way, the photos didn't have that big of an impact on me. But reading everyone's comments I realize what a great gift you've given others who have not had the pleasure of seeing you in the flesh, seeing your smile, seeing how mobile you are, never complaining. I guess I've taken your "ability" for granted. Thanks for bearing it all again ! V

Guest		04-Sep-2007 22:28
You are truly inspirational,Patricia!!! You are definitely ABLE (not dis-able). I admire your zest for life.

JSWaters		04-Sep-2007 21:36
Another honest and open look at the realities often kept hidden. Your willingness to lay yourself bare in a sense is admirable and courageous. But then with that smile, I know you have the wherewithal to overcome minor and major obstacles. Jenene

giselle borgwardt		04-Sep-2007 19:37
Patricia, i admire your humor and courage which enable you to intensify your life, instead of giving up or regressing into depression or lamenting. You give us a great example.

Guest		04-Sep-2007 17:12
I didn’t know what to think of these images at first. They are not eye-pleasing nor lyrical in the technical, traditional sense. However I thought again and realised that these images represent one of the truly important uses of photography, that of a portal into a different world. The images are not about creating aesthetic beauty, not about dramatizing the ‘subject’. You have again shown us your world in a very personal, simple, honest manner and it has brought out personal, simple, honest emotions in the people who have viewed it.

CIS		04-Sep-2007 16:30
Truly inspirational...to say the least! You dance with your heart, a magical relationship with us and the world. Genuine and beautiful in every possible way. My privilege to view your excellent work!!!

an nguyen		04-Sep-2007 12:30
Hi Patricia, I am so amaze to see what you do with your camera. You are a gifted and true artist. I have a great respect for people who who has talent and never give up. Thank you for sharing these images. V.V.V

Martha Albuquerque		04-Sep-2007 12:00
Patricia, You are amazing as person and as artist! What a wonderful collection, thanks for sharing it! my vote*

Colin Clarke		04-Sep-2007 10:02
Hello Patricia. This gallery is a fabulous idea. You are such an inspiration, and I salute you. I often think that 'dis-' is the wrong prefix to put with '-able' in many cases. You are a perfect example - you have actually shifted to another living-dimension. In the realm of science fiction, there are 'shape shifters' - creatures which become what they need to be in that moment. Your great and active mind, and obvious inner strength, and your cheerfulness, remind me of the 'shape-shifters'. I can't put the right word to it but you are not 'dis-'. Oh, by the way, you are very photograph-able. :-) Cheers, Colin. ~Gets my vote~

Scotty Graham		04-Sep-2007 08:19
Patricia, I am speechless. Your photos go right to the heart. I had a smile from ear to ear viewing this gallery, and a lump in my throat at the same time. Thank you for inviting me to this gallery.....it made my day. Rock on, you are an inspiration to us all.

Guest		04-Sep-2007 04:48
Always a ray of sunshine and hope in your images.

Guest		04-Sep-2007 04:37
Again, a non self indulgent gallery on yourself, and a lesson of optimism!

Brett Hochkins		04-Sep-2007 03:36
Hello Patricia. You are an absolute inspiration. I can learn so much from you. Your zest for life and your wonderful sense of humor make this gallery a delight.. Vote.

Char		04-Sep-2007 03:00
Hi Patricia, Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures of moments in your life. I have a grandson that was diagnosed with Spinal Muscualar Apathy (a form of Muscular Dystrophy) when he was a year old. His whole life has been a struggle but like you he never lets anything get him down and he just keeps on keeping on. "Give up" is not in his vocabulary. He has many of the same problems you do. Here are some pictures I put on of Jay when he graduated in June [urlhttp://www.pbase.com/char/graduationj He's now attending Michigan State studying law. Maybe we can convince you to join the Wheelchair Hockey league.

Guenter Eh		03-Sep-2007 18:54
You will give many people HOPE with this series Patricia - not only the DIS abled! An important project - no doubt. Your character and your personality is adorable! You comes with power, spread this power all over the world! You got my deeply admiration!

Guest		03-Sep-2007 18:36
This is already shaping up to be a moving and inspiring gallery. You got skills, Girl!

Guest		03-Sep-2007 16:02
Dear Patricia, you're truly a great inspiration for us. I'm sure you have changed the word impossible to I - M - Possible. A standing ovation for your indomitable spirit. -v-

Guest		03-Sep-2007 15:52
this will be a terrific gallery, you're so positive and a great example for all of us. chapeau.

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