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Some people call my films “the voice” for people with brain injury. I don’t want to be anyone’s voice, especially since no one really needs me to do that. It’s a common but wrong belief that disabled folks can’t speak on their own behalf.
I really feel it’s about access to the resources to craft and share stories. I got my start because of being good friends with a professional filmmaker, and I already was part of the Disability arts community in Portland before my brain injury. A little networking, luck, good timing, and voila: film.
Here’s how some other folks are bringing digital storytelling access to more people.
The Tiziano Project “provides community members in conflict, post-conflict, and under-reported regions with the equipment, training, and affiliations necessary to report their stories and improve their lives.”
This organization brings access to people who would otherwise not have it. They use a mentorship model that goes far beyond getting a video made for us to watch online. Participants get professional level training in journalism and media they can take with them into the job market.
Spend some time at www.tizianoproject.org/projects to see some incredible films such as the “A Young Kosovo” project created in a workshop at Dokufest International Film Festival. 
The films were made on iPads! I’m so excited because right now I’m working with several folks one-on-one to make short films using a (non-iPad) tablet. Look for this local tablet project to be out at the end of this year.
In other exciting local news, Mainstreamed Media, a Portland, OR area non-profit provides “access and a platform for people with developmental disabilities to cover community events as members of the media. People with developmental disabilities are creative and have a perspective to share that is not heard nearly enough.”
Look at the communication revolution happening right now through journalism, storytelling, and media!
4 responses to “Digital storytelling for all”
I appreciate your dedication in organizing resources about what is going on in the world. I think your voice encourages others to find their voice.
Oh, I’m so glad you like it! I love the treasure hunts for resources and projects like the ones I listed here! Thank you so much for the vote of confidence too. In disability art, I’ve come to see things differently. The way I see things now, folks aren’t really needing to “find” their voice. There’s no lack of voice, perspective, and rich storytelling. Often what’s missing is the microphone. I greatly enjoy literally bringing microphones to people’s homes and the events we host to record others. Then I get to broadcast the perspectives they have already formed, ripe for sharing. What I love about The Tiziano Project, though, is they teach folks how to use the microphone, and with their partners, give those microphones to them to keep. Then, the stories come out more loudly. I’m super encouraged by their work!
Great information. I’m glad you don’t want to be “the voice,” but it’s true you have a great gift for telling your part of the story and you serve as an inspiration to others. Thanks for sharing the mike!
Hey, thanks, Joy! Happy to share anytime!!