Important Voices in Education: Listening to the Life Stories of Mothers of Individuals Who Type to Communicate

• In Event: Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Familiy Stories, Stories of Families

Abstract

This paper aims to listen to and share the crucial stories of women who fought for the education and inclusion of their children who type to communicate. The researchers conducted life story interviews with seven mothers of individuals who were labeled as having a disability and use facilitated communication. Life story methods allowed us to contextualize mothers’ narratives in larger context taking into account historical, social, familial perceptions and influences on their lives. The mothers’ stories intersect with the story of inclusive education, and disability rights, including themes of issues of care, gender roles, shifting professional identities, familial and marital life, school involvement and path to advocacy, challenging normalcy in society, and the use of supported communication to demonstrate competence.

Authors

• Fernanda Orsati, Hussman Institute for Autism

• Christine Elaine Ashby, Syracuse University