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Posted on October 22, 2022 in response to Jordynbzim In response to Jordynbzim
Thank you for sharing your story with us in the Forum, Jordyn! I work with future teachers and plan to share your story and the documentary film with them in class. As you noted, it is so important for teachers to empower all students to share their own stories in the ways that work for them. iPad, with its many opportunities for creativity and accessibility, can be a really helpful tool in the storytelling process.
Everyone has a story and experiences which prompts them to want to change the world.
This morning, I had the opportunity to share my story and experiences with educators, professionals, and families at the Closing the Gap conference — a story that is filled with some of the best AND worst ordeals, and one that is way too common in public education. As a nonspeaking autistic student, many other people were writing my story for me… and it was one where I was underestimated, my actions were misinterpreted, and I was continuously judged incorrectly. Luckily, everything began to change when, at the age of 18, I was more appropriately supported and began utilizing iPad to communicate, and tell my own story to inform my future. Today, I can tell you that my story is one focused on what’s possible. You can support your students in this way too when you choose to presume competence and knowledge in everyone, provide tools, and honor all of the beautiful ways of being present.
How are you empowering your students and those around you to own and share their stories?
You can learn more about my story by watching the documentary film “This is not About Me”, which is about my life growing up nonspeaking. (https://itunes.apple.com/movie/this-is-not-about-me/id1615786728)