Young amputee girl of 4 limbs making up

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Getty Images, a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, in collaboration with Verizon, has announced its latest global Creative Grant focused on showcasing the diversity, strength, and beauty of the disability community through the lens of joy and empowerment.

This initiative seeks to elevate the works of creators as they spotlight the everyday moments of happiness experienced by people within the disability community, shifting perceptions around physical beauty and capability. The grant follows the successful launch of The Disability Collection in 2018, a collaborative endeavor between both companies and the National Disability Leadership Alliance. This collection has grown to include over 4,000 curated images and videos devoted to portraying individuals with disabilities more accurately. This project seeks to unveil the extraordinary diversity within the disability community, spotlighting the myriad ways in which individuals navigate their lives with resilience and determination.

"Often in advertising and media, disabilities are repeatedly shown as limiting and restrictive," stated Dr. Rebecca Swift, Creative Grant Judge and Senior Vice President of Creative at Getty Images. "Building on our ongoing work with the Disability Collection, our objective remains to empower creative talents, spark inspiration in the next generation, and transform the depiction of disabilities in marketing and advertising across industries."

As one of the largest technology communications companies in the world, Verizon is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and to making our digital space accessible to all. Through efforts like the Valuable 500, Verizon’s Disability Advisory Board, and the Forward for Good Disability Innovation Accelerator, Verizon invests in an accessible future.

“As one of the world's largest telecommunications providers, Verizon understands the value of connection,” said Zachary Bastian, Manager, Strategic Alliances, Verizon. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Getty Images, and to sponsor the Creative Bursary. The Disability Collection combined with global opportunities like these help support a diverse and inclusive media ecosystem."

Recognizing the challenges faced by photographers worldwide as they look to break into the commercial industry, the Getty Images’ Creative Grant seeks to discover and nurture creative talent while also alleviating some of the financial hurdles they face to capture authentic content. The additional monetary and promotional support from Verizon also ensures a greater reach to potentially interested photographers.