The National Council of Disability Organizations of Slovenia (NSIOS) is a non-governmental organization that voluntarily unites representative and other disability organizations operating at the state level in the Republic of Slovenia.

The disability organizations involved represent more than 90% of all organized Slovenian disabled persons and bring together more than 210 local associations throughout Slovenia. NSIOS is also a full member of the European Disability Forum (EDF).

NSIOS is the lead organization for the European project ‘Nationwide Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.’

One of the project’s key activities is a photo exhibition by well-known photographer Primož Lavre. Through his lens, Lavre has captured moments in the lives of twenty-five persons with various types of disabilities. He had previously created the photography exhibition ‘Mothers Like Any Other,’ which depicted the lives of mothers with children with special needs. He has also worked for UNICEF, where he received an award for a photo of a child in Albania. This new photography exhibition has been symbolically named ‘Living Fully: Stories Without Boundaries’. Its primary purpose is to draw attention to different forms of disability, raising awareness about the possibility of living a full life with a disability, including engaging in leisure activities, and to show that many persons with disabilities are accomplished athletes, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, and more – persons like any other.

Among the portrayed individuals is Tomi, an operational firefighter and the president of a firefighting association. He is also the director of the Golden Ribbon Institute. Anton is a sculptor and mime artist who performs under the artistic name Dlanton, captivating and amusing audiences with his performances. Singer Eva, dancers Martina, Brina, and Nika, and actor and musician Jernej are persons who truly shine on stage when performing. Tjaša is a person with boundless energy, working as a psychotherapist and professor while also being a passionate golfer in her free time.

Elvis and Lena are dedicated athletes; Elvis effortlessly lifts the heaviest weights in the gym, while Lena, a Paralympian, competed in sitting volleyball at this year’s Games in Paris. Alojz, with his energy and determination, is an inspiring campaigner for the rights of hemophiliacs, who are often overlooked and silenced. Špela is a writer and a passionate librarian. Poetry, prose, and the scent of books are her passions that bring a smile to her face. Sara is a professor at the European Faculty of Law, where she shares her knowledge with students through a communicator.

Srečko is someone who loves working on his farm. He drives a tractor and a mower, rides horses, dances, and likes venturing into the untamed landscapes of the Bela Krajina region. Igor aims to raise awareness of disability among children by writing children’s books and giving lectures in schools. As a motivator and ambassador, Nino’s guiding principle in his awareness-raising endeavors is "Where there’s a will, there’s a way." He travels through camps with his trailer, surfs, swims, and dives. On his bicycle, Edo covers distances that many of us can’t even imagine.

Miša, Enej, and Anže are determined individuals who enjoy socializing and playing with their peers. Sara is a charming girl engaged in belly dancing. Jan is a well-informed young man with disabilities who loves to paint. Valerija is the first deaf journalist in Slovenia and a coordinator for the development of Slovenian sign language. Nai is a volunteer with the TransAkcija Institute, advocating daily for the rights of the deaf, hard of hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Benjamin’s story is equally inspiring. The owner of a fully accessible hostel, he is brimming with new business ideas. He is also an enthusiastic painter. Tilen is a cheerful and exceptionally communicative young man who works regularly as an accountant, and his speed while playing wheelchair hockey can be compared to Formula One.

The central theme of the exhibition is persons who, despite their disabilities, create, work, and live fully, pushing boundaries and giving insight into their daily lives.

The photographs form a cohesive whole, with each image revealing a unique story. “With this exhibition, I wanted to convey that we should take inspiration from those who, despite many challenges, live their lives to the full,” says Primož Lavre.