The stories people tell help us make sense of the world around us. We listen to their stories from the knowledge of our personal life experiences. Their stories can help us revise the way we see ourselves and help us think about our own experiences and opportunities in new ways based on learning from the experiences of others.
Do you have a story to tell too? Let us know about it by writing to familysupport@aed.org or call us at 877-535-7575.
The English interviews were conducted Alyne Ellis who has been an editor at NPR, a producer of museum and walking tours, and she's co-written a curriculum for radio classes. Her award winning documentaries include pieces on sign language and culture, and learning disabilities and teaching strategies. She has also produced nationally distributed tapes for NICHCY on the IEP Process, meaningful employment of people with cognitive issues, and self esteem. Alyne currently hosts and produces a radio show for AARP called Prime Time Focus heard on over 500 stations and the web at www.aarp.org/radio.
Kathleen Amaral
Knowledge certainly is power and brings much comfort as well. Hear how one mother empowers herself with the information to support her child.
Susan and Christina Battista
"We never say can't". Hear how this family motto has guided the Battista family helped them through challenges to make them opportunities.
Soon after Christina's birth her parents were told she migh not live very long. Now at 30 years old, Christina shares what it is that drives her and she tells us about all she has to look forward to.
Sherri and Christiana Coles
Mom of three Sherri talks about sibling dynamics and her ideal for inclusion of her daughter.
Christiana, Sherri's daughter, tells us about her job and gives us some friendly tips about how to treat others.
Althea McCluckie
When a child has significant disabilities life can seem very difficult. Althea’s daughter Seda, for example, has Anencephaly; she was born with a large portion of her brain missing. Seda’s mom talks about the joys and challenges of their life together; Seda is now thirteen.
Maggie Maclean
Successful student Maggie Maclean, who has high functioning autism, shares what got her to where she is now. She’s a college graduate with a valuable job skill.
Lynn McDonald
Listen as Lynn McDonald talks about adaptations that made her school experience easier and also about her current work as a guardian. For Lynn, finding the right support system, whether it includes friends, family or God, has been invaluable.
Terry and Lisa Mendell
Lisa Mendell uses a wheelchair and she says that's the last thing she wants people to notice. "Look at me," first is her motto and she's actively working and volunteering online and in the community. We caught up with her and her mom, Terry, at a Cash and Counseling conference.
Jean Mullins
Many parents struggle to get their kids to clean their rooms and get organized for school, but Jean has found it especially difficult for her son with ADD. She shares with us the creative ways she's used to improve her son's organization skills at home and at school.
Kristine Nicholas
When you have three children with disabilities, how do you cope, particularly if they take different paths to understanding their identities. You have to figure out when to be hands on or hands off.
Georgie Nikolaidis
When you’re a blind water-skier it seems like nothing should ever stop you, but even so Georgie used to have trouble just getting down a hall from class to class. He tells us how his faith helped him reach for answers.
Doreen Reagan
This mother of two shares how her own struggle with learning disabilities in school has shaped her involvement with her sons' education.
Bridgette and Brandon Reeves
Finding help in a big city may seem much easier than in small towns and rural areas. Listen to Bridgette Reeves, who lives in rural South Carolina, explain how she helped her son Brandon and other families by starting a parents’ support group.
Brandon then talks about being home-schooled and his plans to go to a tech school in the near future.
Debbie Sharon
Debbie talks about her daughter April's budding business making pet treats and what they’re both doing to prepare for the day when April can “kick her mom” out and be more independent.
Kathie and Benjamin Snow
Is physical therapy for everyone? Parent Kathie rethinks her opinion on this when her son makes a special request.
Kathie's son Benjamin has found there are no limits, whether people label him or not.
Charles Spagnuolo and Stepdad John Ackiss
John Ackiss has taken an active role in his stepson Charles' life. Here he describes how autism affects Charles and how he as a parent has learned to phrase his own speech to make mutual communication easier and he shares the ways in which Charles has become an active athlete and member of his community.
Glenna Taylor
When one talks with parent Glenna Taylor, finding money and local support looks easy. She’s an energetic dynamo who worked with her son Kevin to find a job by creating one. Kevin, who runs stables for horses, now has self-esteem and standing in his local community.
Pat Wright
When a parent is battling depression, helping children who also have mental illness can be overwhelming. But mom Pat Wright has found a balance and knows when to give her adult children space and when to offer advice. She also talk about how her own needs have shaped her children's lives in a positive way.
Alejandra Estrada
Cuando Alejandra supo que su hija tenía una discapacidad, sintió mucho miedo. Pero con el apoyo que le han brindado, más información que ha obtenido, y con la pasada del tiempo ella se siente más segura, feliz y esperanzada para el futuro de su niña.
Nelsinia Ramos Wroblewski
Esta mamá no ve límites ni para si misma ni su hija. Para ella el haber tenido una hija con una discapacidad ha sido más un beneficio en su vida que un reto, abriendo oportunidades personales y profesionales.
Ana Vivas
Criar a dos niños con discapacidades ha sido un desafío, sobre todo porque culturalmente las discapacidades no son muy entendidas. Sin embargo Ana ha encontrado un propósito en exáctamente eso - luchar para aceptación y entendimiento.
Miriam Zapata
Con el miedo y sus dudas en el pasado, esta mamá habla de cómo vivir día a día y cómo ella celebra los éxitos de su hija que tiene síndrome de Down.