Save the Date: Opening Reception for Self Portraits of Disability After Violence in Los Angeles

Self Portraits of Disability After Violence in Los Angeles creates an accessible and non-objectifying visual storytelling archive that approaches violently acquired disability beyond the narrow scripts of victimhood and criminality.

As part of the 2025-26 Heumann Community Partnership, Associate Professor Can Açıksöz and Rancho’s Violence Recovery and Prevention Program (RVRPP) created a photo gallery titled Self Portraits of Disability After Violence in Los Angeles that reclaims the camera as a tool of self-representation. The photos enable participants to turn the lens toward their own bodies, neighborhoods, everyday practices, and forms of healing.

The opening reception will showcase remarks from Professor Açıksöz and participants from Rancho’s Violence Recovery and Prevention Program.

The gallery is wheelchair accessible. Audio descriptions of the images will be available. Please bring a smart device to scan QR codes to access audio descriptions.

Event Details:
When: Monday, November 9, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Kerckhoff Art Gallery

Additional Event Information

Accessibility Request:
Please email Nicole Chavez at nchavez@college.ucla.edu with any additional accessibility requests by Friday, October 23, 2026.

Media Advisory:
Please note you will be attending an event where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. The Disability Studies Program will highlight this event, which means your name, image or video (video and/or audio) may appear on our website, social media, or other media formats. By attending the event, you consent to the Disability Studies Program photographing, filming and using your image and likeness.

Parking:
Parking is available at Structures 4 or 7, the nearest lots to Ackerman Union. Parking at UCLA requires a valid permit at all times. Visitors pay for parking in the structure’s pay station. Review the Visitor Parking website for more information.