The Next Move Program launched the Capable Portrait Campaign in 2017 with the mission to showcase diverse perspectives on life in our community, provide adult role models for our youth and demonstrate the power of inclusion. Every year, models are nominated and selected to be featured at a portrait exhibition and their powerful stories are proudly shared with the community on social media.

Capable returns for its eighth year in 2024! This year, the team at The Next Move Program is recruiting a new group of models from the disability community who are making Virginia better through their advocacy, engagement and talents. Several top professional photographers are again donating their services to the campaign and capturing portraits of each model at The Virginia House.

All of this culminated with an exhibit of the campaign opening at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture on June 20. The Capable Exhibit will be open to the general public from mid-June until the end of the year.

Dylan Dean Whited

“I am a funny guy!”

Photographer: Kat Jones

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

“I am a funny guy!”

Are you in school or employed? How do you spend your time most days?

“I work at Brandito as a warehouse associate and spend my free time watching TV, going out in the community, playing some soccer, listening to the radio and on the computer.”

What are other organizations you are connected to? 

“SOAR365, ASCVA, CSB Chesterfield, RVAccess, Brandito, Surfer Healing”

What do you want the community to know about your life in Virginia?

“I love my life in Chesterfield, VA.”

When do you feel most capable?

“When I am at work and in my community.”

What do you want others to know about your disability?

“I have ASD and I am capable of doing most of my daily skills.”

What does your perfect day look like?

“Being at the beach and being in the water.”

What challenges or barriers do you face daily?

“Not being able to drive and often having difficulties communicating.”

What are your goals for the future?

“Continue to work at Brandito and traveling in Europe.”

What else do you want to share about yourself?

“I have a dog named Haley.”