As a professional photographer based in Knoxville, Tennessee Tod Sheley is an inspiring individual who has overcome various disabilities to pursue his passion for photography. Despite being partially blind and color blind, Tod excels in capturing a diverse range of subjects, with street, reflection, concert, and nature photography being his preferred genres. Through his lens, Tod aims to showcase that limitations do not define a person's capabilities and that art can serve as a healing outlet.

Tod's journey is marked by the challenges he faced due to congenital rubella syndrome, which resulted in specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorder. Additionally, he is legally blind in his left eye (lazy eye) due to cataracts and nerve damage that also impacted his speech. Through his public speaking engagements, Tod shares his story of resilience and the inner battles he has fought while growing up with disabilities.

Tod has shared his story and work on various platforms, including USA Today Storytellers, The Emporium Center Art Gallery, Internationally recognized storyteller platform called PechaKucha, The Knoxville News Sentinel, Channel 6 News, WVLT 8, and the Scruffy City Podcast. These appearances have allowed him to reach a broader audience, spreading his message of hope and determination. His photography has also gained commercial success, with Tod selling his work through various channels. He has created album covers, and his live concert photography has been featured at events such as the Tennessee Valley Fair and the Isle of Palms Songwriting Festival. These achievements further prove that disabilities do not limit one's ability to achieve professional success.

In his advocacy work, Tod seeks to connect with others facing similar challenges and offer encouragement and support. His message of solidarity and empowerment resonates with individuals with disabilities, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is a community ready to provide assistance.

Expanding on Suicide Prevention and Depression in People with Disabilities:

Tod's advocacy goes beyond just sharing his personal story; it also encompasses critical issues like suicide prevention and addressing depression among people with disabilities. Statistics indicate that individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk for depression and suicide due to factors such as social isolation, chronic pain, and perceived burdensomeness. Tod's experiences and insights are vital in tackling these pressing concerns.

1. Raising Awareness: Through his public speaking and photography, Tod highlights the mental health challenges faced by people with disabilities. He aims to break the stigma associated with discussing mental health issues and encourages open conversations about depression and suicidal thoughts.

2. Providing Resources and Support: Tod collaborates with mental health organizations to provide resources and support for individuals with disabilities. He shares information about hotlines, support groups, and other resources that cater specifically to the needs of the disabled community.

3. Creating Safe Spaces: Tod advocates for the creation of safe and inclusive spaces where individuals with disabilities can share their experiences and seek help without judgment. Whether through online platforms or community events, he emphasizes the importance of accessibility in mental health services.

4. Promoting Art as Therapy: Tod's own journey demonstrates the therapeutic power of art. He encourages others to explore creative outlets as a means of coping with their mental health struggles. Photography, painting, music, and other forms of artistic expression can provide a sense of purpose and emotional release.

5. Empowering Stories: By sharing stories of resilience and triumph over adversity, Tod provides hope and inspiration. His narrative reinforces the idea that while disabilities present significant challenges, they do not diminish a person's worth or potential for happiness.

6. Supporting Mullen's Miracles: Tod is actively involved with Mullen's Miracles, a suicide prevention nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and their mental well being. Mullen's Miracles focuses on providing specialized resources, crisis intervention, and ongoing mental health support to those in need. Tod's partnership with the organization helps amplify their efforts, raise funds, and increase awareness about the unique challenges faced by the disabled community in relation to mental health.