Monica Bihar-Natzke is a dedicated disability advocate and a board member of the Autism Society of America. Last year, she reached out to volunteer her family for the Portraits of Persons with Disabilities project. Meeting Monica’s family—where all but one of her 6 children have disabilities—was a truly wonderful experience. We spent an afternoon capturing interviews and portraits. The love within this family was palpable, shining through in every conversation.

Monica and her husband, Chris, are raising their children to embrace agency over their disabilities and take an active role in their communities. Have a look at these portraits and heartfelt quotes from an incredible family.

Family portrait featuring a man and a woman in their 40’s sitting and smiling at the camera. Behind them stand their 6 children ages 13-20. The family is all white skinned with brown hair. They are all smiling at the camera. — The Natzke Family in their Michigan home.

Monica, 40 - ADHD, Apraxia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

"Who decided that the standard human being is white with 2.5 kids—and that they go to church? Who made that decision? Everybody is different. Even if you put three to ten white guys of the same age in a room, they’re all going to be different. If society embraced the concept of everyone as an individual, disabilities wouldn’t even be something we’d have to talk about. They would just be another part of who we are."

Portrait of a 40 year old, white skinned woman with light brown eyes smiles at the camera. She has dark brown, shoulder length, curly hair with blue tips, it is pulled back into a half ponytail. She is wearing a scoop neck black dress. — Monica Bihar-Natzke

Chris, 42 - Marfan’s Syndrome, Stroke Survivor

"I’d like to see more understanding and compassion for disabled people. Not just compassion, but compassion from a place that is more connective. Normal compassion is not enough. Putting in a ramp because it’s required is good, but adding one when it’s not required is even better."

Portrait of a 42 year old white skinned man with light green eyes looks at the camera with a slight smile. He has thinning, short, brown hair. He wears a gray polo shirt with a navy blue collar. — Chris Natzke

Romina, 20 - Autism, ADHD

"I want disabled people to have more opportunities to have fun and connect with others around the world who are like them."

Portrait of 20 year old, white skinned woman. She is looking at the camera. She has hazel eyes and dark brown and blue hair, pulled back with a gray headband. She is wearing a pale pink floral dress. — Romina Natzke

Daniel, 19 - Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

“I’d like to see more assertiveness—for both us, the disabled, and for others toward us—because most people tend to look at the disabled with disdain. Eventually, those disabled individuals start to feel like they’re the problem, but they’re not. No disabled person ever is. Those early moments in life not only shape who you are but also establish the foundation of your life. If most of those moments are spent with others looking down on you or being upset with you, it weakens that foundation. However, if you’re praised, acknowledged, and feel happy about yourself, that’s when the foundation is strong and can stand the test of time.”

Portrait of a 19 year old white skinned man. He has green eyes and short dark brown hair. He is wearing a white and yellow striped light blue polo shirt. — Daniel Natzke

Alessandra, 17 - Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder

"I want people to understand that just because we have disabilities doesn’t mean we can’t do everything everyone else can. It’s just a little bit harder and takes a little bit more work. But we can all do the same things. It’s like when they used to believe women couldn’t do everything men could. It’s just like that."

Portrait of a 17 year old, white skinned woman. She has brown hair pulled back and light brown eyes. She is smiling at the camera showing her teeth. She is wearing a black thin choker necklace and a sleeveless floral dress with a black belt. — Alessandra Natzke

Tia, 15 - ADHD

“I would like to see more people helping disabled people and understanding them better. That would be really great.”

Portrait of a 15 year old white skinned woman. She has shoulder length blonde curly hair and light brown eyes. She has a slight smile. She is wearing a long sleeved black shirt with a white pattern. — Tia Natzke

Letta, 13 - ADHD

"I want there to be more services to better support disabled people. Like, more schools designed for them—that would be important. There aren’t many schools, like high schools, colleges, middle schools, or elementary schools for them. I’d also like to see better ways for them to be cared for. Other things, like sound blockers, would be helpful because I know a lot of people who struggle with that issue."

Family portrait featuring a man and a woman in their 40’s sitting and looking at each other and smiling. Behind them stand their 6 children ages 13-20. The children are all mid laugh. The family is all white skinned with brown hair. — Natzke Family