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Conversations on
Beauty and Disability
Porto Charities spoke to four individuals on the connection between beauty, faith, and disability. These candid conversations reveal valuable insights about how to truly see beauty in disability and the power of relationships in building a beautiful life.
Watch, be inspired, and register for our in-person conference today!
Not able to come in person?
Purchase a virtual ticket to access the keynote and a select number of breakout sessions.
Beauty in the Unexpected
Our speakers come from a broad spectrum of life and each has a unique story to share. From theological reflections on the meaning of beauty, to the resurrection of a lost piece of music, and finding beauty in the everyday, these poignant and often humorous, conversations reveal a richer way of seeing disability in the world.
Dr. Miguel Romero, associate professor of theology and healthcare ethics at St. Louis University, shares about living with his brother, Vicente, who has severe disabilities, and the intersection between Catholic theology, beauty, and disability. Dr. Romero also explores humanity's relationship with the Creator and how our views are shaped.
Christina Chase is an author, blogger and lover of all things beautiful. She shares insight with us from her book It is Good to be Here: A Disabled Woman's Reflections on God in the Flesh and the Sacred Wonder of Being Human. She shares with us her thoughts on beauty and encountering God in the everyday. To read more written by Christina, visit her blog.
Dr. John Immerwahr is professor emeritus of philosophy at Villanova University. He currently works as a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and makes videos about art on YouTube. He recently made a video about recreating a piece of organ music written by his neurodiverse brother, Richard, who died of cancer when he was only 20 years old. Dr. Immerwahr talks about getting to know his brother through the process and finding a connection through the mutual appreciation of beautiful music. Watch Dr. Immerwahr's video on the process here, before listening to our conversation.
Dave Brebner is a neurodiversity advocate and master electrician. He documents his experience of finding faith, purpose and his place in life in Living Beyond Limits: My Struggle and Triumph over Tourette's Syndrome. Dave hails from Australia and eloquently shares his experiences with refreshing honesty and humor.