Speaker Bio | Jen Vogus

Jen Vogus’ career began teaching high school science. She also earned an AAS in Visual Communications (Photography concentration) from Nashville State and continues to refine her craft. She became passionate about photography when she began taking pictures of her son, who has a disability and does not communicate verbally. She photographed the things he was doing and enjoyed so he could share it with peers and teachers. It gave him a voice and helped others realize all that he was capable of doing. The power of these photographs made clear to her their value as a tool for communication, empowerment, & advocacy. Ms. Vogus combines her teaching, photography, & disability advocacy skills through her nonprofit organization, AbleVoices. She develops & leads photography projects for young adults with disabilities to allow them to visually communicate & express themselves. She is also teaching artist for Borderless Arts Tennessee. Ms. Vogus is a board member of The Arc Tennessee and a graduate of the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute. Ms. Vogus also pursued her own creative expression through photography, exhibiting domestically and internationally. She has shown her work in numerous solo and juried shows.