In 2012, I was asked by the National Forum on Disability Issues to provide photography of their event, held at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, focused on the disability positions of the 2012 presidential candidates.
Moderated by former CNN White House correspondent Frank Sesno, the event was non-partisan and featured question and answer sessions with Senators Ted Kennedy and Sherrod Brown, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and local politicians Treasurer Josh Mandel and Representative Nancy Garland, as stand-ins for their respective parties' candidates.
I've photographed many events like these, with grip and grins and speeches, but the energy in the rooms and surrounding the event was electric and joyful. I met so many wonderful people and enjoyed making these images to highlight their bringing the issues of disabled citizens to the forefront for our elected officials. Everyone deserves the right to equal treatment!