Elevating the Voices of Disabled Students

Story Guidelines

We have learned that when we share our stories, it impacts education! 

We would like you to record your video stories to use within our classes. Our instructors will use the videos of your stories to help illustrate the importance of inclusion and to represent our voices in education.

We welcome and encourage your stories under the following conditions:

    • Please remember this is a space for people with disabilities or their direct caregivers. 
    • By submitting your video, you agree that SESC and WEA IPTN can use your video for educational purposes.
    • Refrain from using names of educators, districts, administration, schools, programs or children.
    • Try to use one prompt/question at a time in your video(s) for length.
    • Keep your story to 3-8 minutes in length to be easily shareable. 
    • You can edit or re-do your story. 
    • You can ask us to remove your story at any time.

Below are some examples of questions/prompts to help you share your experiences.

Choose one to help you organize your story or come up with your own.

Parents/Caregivers: Regarding your experience with public education:

    • What is one core memory that stands out to you from your experience?
    • What did you find helpful or difficult in your student’s experience?
    • Did you feel included in the IEP process? 
    • What happened when you advocated for your child?
    • Tell us about a time that you felt the school was inclusive.  
    • Was there a time that your child felt excluded? How did you respond?
    • Did you or your student have a champion or ally who really stood out to you? 
    • Do you feel like your advocacy changed things in your school/district?
    • How were behavioral interventions approached with you and your child?
    • What do you wish teachers would do/say to improve inclusion?
    • Reflecting back, what would you have done differently or what do you wish you had known?

Students/Former Students: Regarding your experience in public education:

    • What is a core memory that stands out to you from your time in school?
    • In school, did you feel included, or like an outsider?
    • Do you think your disability impacted your school experience? How?
    • How will/do your classmates and teachers remember you? 
    • What are your best or worst memories of school?
    • Were there parents or staff who were allies or advocates for you?
    • Do you feel like your teachers understood you and/or your disability?
    • Do you feel like your voice was included in your IEP team’s decisions?
    • Looking back, is there something you would have done differently? 
    • Do you feel like you or your family’s advocacy changed people’s minds about disability? 
    • Was there a time you felt labeled as “a behavioral problem”? 
    • What strategies helped you learn? What strategies didn’t work or felt harmful? 
    • Did you advocate for yourself? How did it feel to ask for help?

Thank you for your help with this project!