FAMILY EXPERIENCES:
Ways to Lead Change Through Telling Your Story
Adapted from article by Glenn Gabbard in NECTAS, Early Childhood Bulletin, Spring 1998
Family or parent involvement has become a hallmark of many programs and services for young children with disabilities and their families. Though being “involved” my translate into many different kinds of activities and interactions, one of the ways that parents can make a difference is by telling their story. Whether it be pediatricians, neighbors, legislators, therapists, conference audiences, teachers, administrators, or peers, parents of children with disabilities are frequently asked to tell all or part of their family’s life story.
What’s the Purpose?:
- Stories help parents understand the past in relation to an imagined future for themselves and their children.
- Stories help parents turn grief and anger into constructive energy.
- Stories help us connect—to our work and each other in meaningful ways.
- Stories reveal the details, the impact of systems on the daily lives of families and children.
- Stories are a powerful way to develop relationships among parents and professionals.
- Stories deepen our understanding of individuals and shared experiences.
- Stories often promote changes in systems that seem impossible to understand. They can also help clarify disagreements.
- Stories market key strengths of intervention to legislators and other policy makers.
- Stories influence public opinion by illustrating how policies affect families.
- Stories help parents to feel less alone in efforts to make change.
- Stories reinforce values to guide a family’s commitment to themselves and their children.
- Stories entertain others
- Stories raise awareness and promote sensitivity to the experience and knowledge that grows from these experiences.
T.E.A.M. Kids would like to invite families of adults and children with disabilities to “Tell Their Story”. Each month our newsletter will feature one family experience to share with others and help us connect. Those interested in telling their story are encouraged to contact us for more information. Email: Barmengol@teamkids.com
