This Empowering Photo Project Transforms Stereotypes Of Women With Disabilities

'We Can Transform Stereotypes Of Women With Disabilities'

When 19-year-old aspiring model Wendy Crawford woke up to find she'd been hit by a drunk driver, her life changed completely.

The accident had made her quadriplegic, a paralysis that affects the use of all four limbs, and she says she no longer accepted in the fashion industry.

Rather than giving up hope, Wendy found the courage to come out fighting and co-founded Raw Beauty NYC, a powerful photo project challenging the way the world sees women with disabilities.

Wendy Crawford

"We can show the world that it is possible to overcome obstacles and to lead a joyful, fulfilling life and in turn, empower others to do the same in their own lives," Wendy tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle. "We can transform stereotypes of women with disabilities."

The subjects include women born with disabilities, as well as those whose disability stems from an accident or illness.

For Wendy and the other women in the project, beauty and strength is not only in the eye of the beholder, but radiates out from the individual themselves.

"We truly hope that we can challenge the unrealistic standard of beauty that exists today and demonstrate that there is beauty in confidence, strength and uniqueness.

"This is important for all women, not just those with disabilities, for now and for future generations."

Aimee Hofmann

Raw Beauty Project

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