FirstWNC provides services and resources to persons with disabilities and their families in Western North Carolina. In the summer of 2025 I was commissioned for a documentary photography project focused on the My First Key program, which supports independent living for adults with disabilities. Within this project, I focused on emphasizing the strengths of the program, which includes supporting healthy social relationships beyond family supports, community networking in the local community, and supported employment for individuals with jobs. Another goal for the project was to highlight individuals in the program in the ways that felt most important to them.

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I have been a direct support professional for several years, so this project came from a personal place of experience and passion for supporting members of the disability community. Programs like FirstWNC provide invaluable support that allows people with disabilities to not only live, but thrive in their communities.