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The inspiring people of the Frazer Center
The Frazer Center is an inclusive community in Atlanta, where people of all levels of ability and disability gather, learn, socialize and share the joys and challenges of living. Even though I’ve been familiar with them for many years, it wasn’t until I was location scouting for an advertising shoot that I got close enough to realize just how important their impact is on the community. I was sincerely touched when meeting the wonderful people for whom they provide opportunities. This is not a place where they are hidden or sheltered. Instead, it’s a space for adults with a variety of abilities to gather, to learn and to flourish, ultimately striving for the same thing as all of us: the feeling of being integrated, that of belonging to the broader community.
When I approached them, trying to figure out a way to get involved and support their efforts, I learned that July, 2015 was the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act - that's when this project was born. The initial plan was to capture medium format portraits of 25 of their participants in environments familiar to them, to show where they volunteer or work. But, as an obvious extension of the shoot, I also put together a short video to better present the people for whom this place makes all the difference. After a lot of coordinating with participants and crew, we spent several days getting to know these wonderful people: following them in their daily routine and being inspired when hearing about their hopes and dreams.
Take a look at the BTS video, and see for yourself just how funny and interesting these people are. Big thanks to Mad Hat Creative for jumping in and taking a personal interest in this project.