Where My Lens Meets Life

Carmen Lai, Brooklyn, NY Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy

This piece highlights my best friend Carmen and the ways her lens illuminates her life. She shares how her passion for photography and film allows her to capture her experiences with cerebral palsy, celebrate her creativity, and challenge how the world sees disability.

1.    What creative outlet has been most meaningful to you during young adulthood, and how did you discover it?

As a young adult I have found the most meaning in photography. In my childhood years, going behind the camera and taking photos allowed me to express myself beyond writing, and I have always found it more satisfying than journaling. The connection began with me always smiling whenever a camera was pointed at me. As I got older, I discovered photography while searching for a way to express myself beyond writing, and I found it more satisfying than journaling. Instead of putting feelings into words, the photos I take help remediate certain missing parts of me. As a child, I enjoyed looking through physical photo books. But I realize we didn’t take many photos of me in my walker and now I enjoy having photos that truly reflect who I am. 

 2.    In what ways has creativity helped shape your confidence and self-acceptance as you navigate adulthood?

My creativity has allowed me to explore life authentically beyond society’s stereotypes around disability. When I engage with mediums, such as photography and film, I take ownership of how I view the world and capture moments that are meaningful to me. No one can replicate my artsy.

In particular, I find comfort in being able to reflect on all of the opportunities, relationships, and memories I have had because of my disability. Having cerebral palsy has allowed me to participate in many amazing experiences within the disability community, like adaptive surfing. I am grateful to have photos that capture the thrilling experience.

 3.    What does it mean to you to have a platform where you can share your story, and how has that shaped the way you see yourself and your voice?

Having platforms whether it’s my own or others has given me opportunities to raise awareness and share parts of my identity and life that don’t always show up in other spaces. I find it empowering.

4.    Your film Seeing Beyond Obstacles is such a powerful title. What message were you hoping to share through it, and how does it reflect your personal journey?

I hope that by watching my film Seeing Beyond Obstacles Film , people will realize that just because someone’s life is different it should not be seen as obstacles. I also hope that people challenge the idea that having a disability makes someone a burden. Everyday tasks people take for granted takes me more time, energy and planning. However, I do not let this stop me. I adapt and keep doing the things I love. As I get older, I continue to build a vision of possibilities and dreams, revealing that my vision for life isn’t defined by how others see me, but how I see and show up for myself.