In his photo project "Impaired Perceptions," Brian Steel fights ableism, a form of discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities. "We have all felt like an outsider in some way, and in that way, we are all the same," says Steel. To see more of Steel's photos, click here.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Curtis, a former Paralympic swimmer, holds 10 world records and trains swimmers while serving as a minister.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Barry, an illustrator born with Nager syndrome, started OBCan, an arts project designed to reduce littering by painting garbage cans with eye-catching colors.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Candice refused to allow the pain from scoliosis to stop her from finishing the 2011 Atlanta Marathon Relay. She found the strength she needed to complete it in the supportive cheers of spectators and other runners.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Ben, a native Georgian born with cerebral palsy, has two bachelor's degrees and is completing a master's degree in history.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Jessica, an accomplished visual artist, was born with spinal muscular atrophy. She teaches drawing as an adjunct professor at Georgia Perimeter College in Dunwoody. "The greatest obstacles are those I set for myself," she says. "I define my strength daily by living for the moments of triumph where the label of 'weak' is obsolete."
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Charlie, an electronics enthusiast born with cerebral palsy, now sells computers.
Courtesy Brian Steel
'In the face of ableism' —
Richard, a former body builder, was paralyzed during a running accident. He now works as an Apple specialist.