“Storytelling is a chance to know ourselves better, to really question who we are, where we've been, and who we want to be." – Alice Wong
Power is built through storytelling. When we elevate authentic stories, we can disrupt myths and build authentic connections. In this edition of Storytelling with Disability Lead, 2025 Fellows Sydney Barta, Guadelupe Pinzon, and Allaina Humphreys shared their stories. We thank them for sharing because finding the right words requires labor and vulnerability, but the results can be a catalyst for change.
Trigger Warning: Some of the content explored in the featured stories may be triggering for some, including topics of neglect, traumatic injury, and sexual abuse.
Sydney Barta
“According to the history books from that date, let the record reflect. I did not falter.”
Sydney recounted a “milestone turned nightmare” experience from college graduation where episode with her spastic Cerebral Palsy caused a fall while walking towards the stage. Just one year later, Sydney returned to the arena to receive her master’s degree. To prepare, Sydney worked with the university to have an escort. Events on the day of her second commencement ceremony made her feel as she was “a dog instead of a human.” That day Sydney learned the power of self-advocacy and that her accomplishments outlast the negative experiences.
Guadalupe Pinzon
“Support doesn’t have to be loud to be life changing.”
Guadalupe shared some challenging and abusive experiences from her time in grade school going back to kindergarten. While she experienced moments where she was neglected, one moment became an example that “support doesn't need to be loud, to be life changing.” It was not until a college assignment that resulted in Guadalupe reconnecting with a former teacher gave her an opportunity to reclaim her power. When revisiting a school that was a site of negative memories and abuse, Guadalupe shared her story with current staff to raise awareness. Through success and support in college, Guadalupe learned that she was not the problem, but the system and that her experiences drove her to advocate for students as an IEP parent surrogate.
Allaina Humphreys
“Let's design a society where curiosity is natural, joy is non-negotiable, and everyone can take part.”
Allaina acquired her disability at 15 as the result of a gymnastics injury. She recalls her time in recovery and learning to live as a wheelchair user on the pediatric floor. The time spent on the pediatric floor taught her to find beauty at “chair height.” She learned from other children who were patients about joy, kindness, and curiosity. Allaina shares her observations at chair-height, which is more of a posture and perspective than a measurement, and how we can use that perspective make decisions that improve society.
Watch the event on YouTube