Very often people classed with disabilities have not had the opportunity to tell their stories in their own way. Lots of different people may have told their stories for them; for example parents, brothers, sisters, doctors, keyworkers, researchers, teachers, psychologists and other people. While these perspectives may still be important, our team at 1000 Voices seeks to encourage people with disabilities to share their experiences and life stories in their own voice.

If you want to share your story, 1000 Voices can support you to publish your story here on our webiste. To start sharing simply read the ethics consent form and if you wish to participate please create an account and upload your content.  You can email us if you require any assistance in putting together your story.

Useful Resouces (click to read PDFs):

• Participant Information Sheet
  

• Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I create my story?

  The sky is the limit when it comes to modes of creative storytelling. You may choose to uploaded your story in photographs, video, audio, text or other files (e.g. artwork, music etc). While there are limits on the size of files you may upload such as video and photo files (please see limits under 'create content'), we can work with you to get the best result for your story up on the website. Please contact us if you would like to discuss ideas or if you require some assistance in how to create your story.

• Can family members upload their stories?

  Yes! 1000 Voices is for people with disabilities and their families and friends. Disability is often a social experience that impacts family and friends, and we encourage people affected to share their stories and perspectives through text, photos, audio, video, art or in any medium of your choice.

• When can I upload my story?

  The 1000 Voices Project will run indefinitely. Stories can be uploaded at any time.

• What provisions are there for privacy & confidentiality?

  Because this is a high profile public project, the life story that you upload to the 1000 Voices website will be available to people who access the 1000 Voices website. If you choose to publish the story under your real name, or include details that may identify you to others, people who visit the site may be able to identify you. The website manager will regularly check new stories that have been uploaded to the site to help participants with confidentiality and privacy as needed.

• Do I own the copyright of my story?

  Yes. All content on this site remains the property of the individual narrators involved. Copyright remains with the authors which means that content should not be reproduced elsewhere without the express permission of the authors. All images used on the 1000 Voices home page are presented via wikimedia commons. All images used are in the public domain or are designated for non commercial free use under creative common licenses. See www.wikimediacommons.org

• Transforming Policy into Practice

  One aspect of this research project is to determine the degree to which life experience stories from people with disabilities and their families can be incorporated in future funding and service decisions made by governments in Australia and internationally. This website provides a resource for human service practitioners, educators, and others who work with people with disabilities.