abilityhaiti is a collaborative international-Haitian project to understand and document disability in Haiti to help enhance the lives and reduce the suffering of the most vulnerable - persons with disabilities.

I met David at Notre Maison, a great facility for special needs kids with disabilities in Port au Prince, Haiti. He was full of charm, curiosity and humour. On our first documentary mission May 9 - 18, I hope to be with him again and ask him and others to tell me more of their stories. My photographer, Scott Doubt, and I will also meet, interview and engage people from the various parts of the disability sector: family members, physicians, caregivers, advocates, government ministers, to  photograph, film and write about the many points of view.

In our initial crowdfunding effort, the generosity of supporters on this site and through direct donations made the start of this project possible. Expenses for the first trip are covered, time is all volunteered.

The goal - $1000.00. Between now and the day we leave (30 days) we are asking for your donation to help produce the content arising from the May trip: video, print material, graphic magazine, a photographic exhibition, social and traditional media stories. Money will go toward editing, translations, printing. By raising awareness and increasing support for abilityhaiti from the beginning, you will be contributing to the sustainability of the ongoing project.

You can follow abilityhaiti at abilityhaiti blog and on Facebook.

Life is hard in Haiti, even with incremental progress since the earthquake of 2010. Yet, Haitians are the most wonderful, resilient and proud people.

Living with a disability in a developing country is often a brutal struggle. Yet, those I've met are among the bravest, most loving people I've known.

Thank you for your support.