The Faces of Spesh: A Community Taking Shape
- Charley Jo Vaughn
- May 21
- 3 min read
When I first created the Faces of Spesh concept, it was simple.
I wanted to showcase my custom designs on real people -- students, families, teachers, friends -- and build a collection that felt connected to the community around me.
That was it.
A creative idea.
A photoshoot.
A way to bring the designs to life.
But as the names started coming in, something unexpected happened.
Not because I forced it.
Not because I built a checklist.
Not because I was trying to design a perfect version of inclusion.
It grew because people wanted to be a part of it.
And that changed everything.
The So Very Spesh Podcast Series
The journey has been unfolding in real time, and I've been sharing pieces of it through the So Very Spesh podcast as the #BEspesh: Faces of Spesh event continues to grow.
If you want the full behind-the-scenes story, here's the series so far:
Episode 1: Inclusion Starts Behind-the-Scenes
This episode walks through the behind-the-scenes planning of the event -- everything from logistics to early ideas, vendor planning, and what it takes to begin building an inclusive community experience from the ground up.
Listen to Episode 1: Inclusion Starts Behind-the-Scenes
Episode 2: More Than a Photoshoot
In this episode, I share how Faces of Spesh evolved from a simple photoshoot concept into something much bigger -- a community-centered event built around inclusion, accessibility, and Spesh's first birthday celebration.
Listen to Episode 2: More Than a Photoshoot
Episode 3: The People Behind Faces of Spesh
This episode focuses on the people behind the project -- how representation naturally formed, and what it means to see such a diverse group of students, families, and supporters coming together as part of this collection.
Listen to Episode 3: The People Behind Faces of Spesh
A Naturally Forming Representation
What's emerged so far is something I didn't fully anticipate, but deeply value.
Faces of Spesh now includes preschool students, homeschool students, students with a wide range of disabilities, neurodivergent identities, and different learning and communication styles.
We also have general education teachers and special education teachers.
Parents.
Friends.
Advocates.
Supporters.
We even have a baby.
And every time someone new joins, the project doesn't just grow in size -- it grows in meaning.
It becomes more layered.
More connected.
More real.
What Inclusion Looks Like Here
To me, this is what inclusion is supposed to look like.
Not a single type of person.
Not a single experience.
Not a single way of communicating, learning, or existing in the world.
Just people.
Existing together.
Represented together.
Celebrated together.
And I think somewhere along the way, the world can make things feel separated and categorized in ways that don't reflect real community.
But community, in its truest form, is diverse.
It holds difference.
It holds variation.
It holds humanity in all its forms.
That's what I'm seeing take shape here.
People, Not Labels
One of the most important parts of this project for me is that the people involved are not being reduced to labels or stories meant to inspire others.
They are not symbols.
They are participants.
They are contributors.
They are individuals who deserve to be seen exactly as they are.
And that distinction matters deeply.
Because this isn't about saying, "look how inspirational this is."
It's about saying, "you belong here."
A Community That Formed Itself
What's been most powerful is that this representation didn't come from me trying to design it perfectly.
It formed organically.
Families shared it.
Friends invited friends.
Teachers connected with it.
Supporters showed up.
People reached out because it resonated with them.
And slowly, Faces of Spesh became something I didn't just create -- it became something we're building together.
A real community.
Still Growing
We are still accepting participants and volunteers, and that honestly feels exciting.
Because I know there are still more stories, more faces, and more connections that haven't yet become part of this project.
And I can't wait to see them.
Why This Matters
More than anything, I hope this event creates visibility.
Not performative visibility.
Not awareness for the sake of awareness.
Real visibility.
The kind where people don't feel like they have to shrink themselves to fit into a space.
The kind where families can breathe a little easier.
The kind where kids grow up seeing themselves reflected in their community.
June 13
On June 13, Faces of Spesh will come together on my farm.
It will be a gathering of people, connection, creativity, and celebration.
We'll mark Spesh's first birthday together -- something that started as a small idea and has grown into something I'm incredibly proud of.
And at the center of it all will be one simple truth:
People belong here.
If you want to follow along, participate, or support the event, you can stay connected through social media.
This is just the beginning.
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