Misunderstood Moments (orange and bold) is the flagship program of Lens of Youth. It collects real-life stories of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), each paired with youth illustrations, along with artworks created by artists with I/DD, to help others understand and connect. Through public exhibitions and awareness events, participants engage with these stories and artworks and are encouraged to turn understanding into everyday actions: take time to understand, see the person not the behavior, choose compassion and build inclusion.

Pledge to understand.

Stand for inclusion.

Explore Misunderstood Moments

Stories and Events
Graphic with two faces in profile, one with a brain and the other with a heart, and text that reads 'from misunderstood moments to understood'.
A large group of children and adults posing for a photo with Santa Claus in front of a wooden wall decorated with Christmas lights and decorations.

Our Mission

Lens of Youth advocates for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through storytelling, art, photography, and community engagement.

A young boy and an older woman are outdoors in a garden, pointing at something on the boy's hand; they appear to be sharing a joyful moment.

Our Vision

We envision a world where individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are fully understood, embraced, and celebrated; where compassion replaces judgement, empathy replaces ignorance, and connection replaces isolation.


Learn more
A young man in a gray suit and a woman in a white dress standing together outdoors, smiling, forming a heart shape with their hands.

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Become a member of Lens of Youth to build a more inclusive world while shaping your personal skills.


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