I've been an amateur photographer for many years and I still often experience a sense of wonder in viewing and shooting photographs and in learning about photographic technology and techniques.  It seems that this sense of wonder from and through photography is a pretty universal one and and can help people who face physical or mental difficulties in life.  An organization named Rehabilitation Through Photography (RTP - http://www.rtphoto.org/) has been using photography in this way for many years to help people with special needs.

RTP provides people with special needs with cameras, instruction and other tools that enable them to get beyond their troubles for awhile and connect to something bigger.  As shown in the accompanying photos from its archives, RTP has been helping in this way since World War II when it provided portable darkrooms, cameras and instruction to returning veterans.   Today RTP continues , with the generous support of photographers and others, to help by means of photography in hospitals, school, homeless shelters, rehab centers and numerous other organizations that serve those with special needs.

RTP's programs are made possible only through individual contributions, corporate and foundation support and the in-kind donation of equipment.  We look forward to using this column in the coming months to share more with you about our interesting and worthwhile programs and initiatives.  To learn more before then, please visit us at http://www.rtphoto.org/