The Gift of a Voice

The gift of a voice and accessibility is something I’ve been reflecting on lately. I recently had the privilege of watching Out of My Mind, now available on Disney+. This movie could very well be considered one of the best films in terms of disability representation. Without giving too much away, the film tells the story of Melody, a middle schooler with non-verbal Cerebral Palsy. With the help of her parents and special education teacher, Melody is introduced to a MediTalker (an Augmentative and Alternative Communication or AAC device), which finally gives her a way to communicate. Through the support of those around her, Melody is able to join a general education class for the first time. It’s here that Melody truly begins to succeed, and those around her start to understand what has always been inside her mind.

Watching this film made me think about how incredibly difficult it must be to be trapped in a body that doesn’t function the way you want it to—having a mind full of thoughts, ideas, and emotions with no way to express them. I can understand some of the stigma that people with physical disabilities often face. Too often, others assume that a disability affects not only one’s physical abilities but also their mental capacity. In reality, that isn’t always the case. Without the proper tools to communicate, I can only imagine the stereotypes Melody must have faced.

As Robert M. Hensel wisely said, “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”This quote perfectly encapsulates the struggles faced by people like Melody, who have so much to offer the world but are often underestimated because society fails to see beyond their disabilities.

But the truth is, everyone deserves a voice. And not just the ability to speak, but the ability to be heard. This is where accessibility and inclusion come into play—whether it’s through technology like AAC devices, advocating for better representation in the media, or even platforms like this blog. Through my writing, I’ve had the privilege of helping amplify the voices of those who often feel overlooked. It’s not just about sharing my own perspective, but about creating space for others to be seen, heard, and understood. For so many, words may not come easily, but that doesn’t mean their thoughts, ideas, or feelings should be silenced.

I’m also incredibly proud of my involvement in the book The World Through Our Perspective, a collection of stories from individuals with disabilities sharing their personal experiences and insights. This book, much like my blog, is about creating a platform for disabled voices—showing the world that these perspectives matter. It was an honor to be a part of a project that encourages understanding, empathy, and dialogue, and I hope it continues to inspire others to recognize the richness of these voices.

As we enter the holiday season, a time of giving and reflection, I encourage you to think about the gifts you are giving this year—not just the material items, but the gifts of connection, empathy, and understanding. Next time you sit down to make your holiday wish list, consider that the gift of connection is free. It costs nothing to open your mind and heart to those who may not communicate in the same way you do. It costs nothing to create spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and included. By simply being present and making an effort to understand the experiences of others, you are giving a gift that can change lives.

This blog has been a way for me to contribute to giving people—especially those with disabilities—a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences. Everyone has something valuable to say, and as a community, we need to ensure that the voices of disabled individuals are not just acknowledged but actively supported.

In a world that often overlooks those with disabilities, communication is the key that opens doors, not just for individuals like Melody, but for all people who are unable to speak for themselves. Whether through the use of an AAC device, sign language, or simply listening with empathy, we have the power to give the gift of communication—a gift that can change lives and build connections.