The Importance of Listening to People Who Cannot Speak

Written in 2025, printed on 8x11 paper

Abstract

I come from a very tight-knit family, my Aunties (Lylah and Jolyn) have always been extremely involved in my life. In fact, my middle name (Jolah) is a combination of their two names. I have had the privilege of witnessing what they are capable of and all the barriers they have overcome. They have always been an inspiration for me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share their story. I did this project for a GWST class in 2025 and thought it fit well into the theme of “what if”. What if we actually listened to people with disabilities and took their concerns into consideration? Imagine how much could be accomplished if people stopped making assumptions, stopped underestimating, and actively fought alongside them. My aunties are a testament to what can be accomplished when people listen and advocate for disabled people. I chose to include personal photos of my aunties and family to demonstrate not only my love for them but also to show how involved they were in my life and how capable they surely are.