CDCI wants to share the stories of challenges and successes for Vermonters with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

With “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders it is challenging to stay connected.  

People with disabilities and families can feel especially isolated or alone. Educators and providers may feel they have to solve things on their own. In these hard times, we know many are finding ways to support each other and achieving amazing things.

We believe sharing your stories can help.

Hearing what others are doing can help us feel less isolated.  Sharing successes gives hope and gives examples for others.  Sharing challenges shows where change and resources are needed.  Your stories show the real impacts of this pandemic. They need to be heard to impact policy and funding.

We are asking people with disabilities, family members, educators, providers and all our partners to share their stories with us.  

We will collect and share your stories in Vermont and nationally.  Stories will be shared on our website, through social media, and directly to groups in Vermont and around the U.S. to connect and educate.  The goal is to share stories. Do not send us anything you want kept private. Stories do not have to be long.  They can just be a few sentences.  You can share pictures, video, or voice recordings.  

How to send us your story

Vermonters with disabilities, families, and providers can share stories by posting on Facebook or Twitter and tagging @CDCIatUVM or sending us a direct message. If you have questions or want to send us your story directly, email us at cdci@uvm.edu or leave us a message at (802) 656-1130.

Templates and Examples

Looking for ideas? This is a story template you can use: 

My name is __________________ and I am _______ (a person with disability, family member, friend, provider). I am from _______(town) in Vermont. The COVID-19 emergency has ___________ (explain what the impact has been on you). I want to share _________________ (something great, praise for, something unexpected, something I'm worried about). ___________________________ (your story). I hope my story will _________________ (help other people, show other people what to do, help you understand people with disabilities). Thank you. 

Here are examples of success: 

  • Being able to keep appointments by using distance technology (e.g., Zoom). 
  • Teachers finding creative ways to help students and parents at home. 
  • People with disabilities finding ways to connect with friends and family. 
  • Families sharing resources about home schooling and working from home. 
  • Employers finding creative ways to keep people employed and connected. 
  • Leaders listening to and acting on what people with disabilities are telling them. 

Examples of challenges: 

  • Experiencing stigma or being discriminated against.
  • Not being able to go to school, work, community activities, day program.  
  • Not being able to have in-home or community support (Direct Support Professionals, aides, personal assistants, nurses). 
  • Medical and other appointments being canceled.