Contribute Your Story to the Book: Bridging the Divide

I’m currently writing a book called Bridging the Divide: How Lived Experience Can Transform Systems—a blend of memoir, research, and family voices that highlights the power of storytelling to change the way we support individuals with disabilities.

This book is for families, professionals, and policymakers. It lifts up the real-life stories of parents and caregivers—especially those who have had to advocate, navigate, or fight for their children’s rights and needs in education, healthcare, and disability services. As both a researcher and a parent of two children who are deafblind, I know firsthand how isolating, exhausting, and empowering this journey can be. I also know how critical it is for systems to hear directly from families. Our voices don’t just matter—they are essential.

That’s why Chapter 4 of the book will be devoted entirely to family stories, gathered from people like you who have walked this path. You don’t need to write a perfect essay. Your words—raw, real, and from the heart—will help readers (especially those in positions of power) understand what’s really at stake when services are cut, when systems fail, or when families are left to figure it out on their own.

Whether your experience was empowering, heartbreaking, or somewhere in between, your story matters.

📝 Link to Share Your Story

You can remain anonymous if you prefer. Submissions may be included in Chapter 4 or woven throughout the book. You'll have the option to review how your story is used.

In a time when educational and social service supports for individuals with disabilities are under real threat, it’s more important than ever to speak out. Telling our stories is one of the most powerful ways to protect our children and influence the future.

Stories submitted early will have the best chance of being included, as I’m moving quickly on this book in order to amplify our voices during this critical time for disability and education advocacy. Story collection will close June 30.

Thank you.

— Lanya Lynn Elsa, PhD