Digital Storytelling Series

Lourdes is a Navajo single mother of four children. One of her daughters, Nevaeh, has Down Syndrome. In her story, she shares about their experiences getting diagnosed and accessing services, including the role their culture has played in it all. She emphasizes the cultural misunderstandings and stigma surrounding disabilities in her community, and shares her advice for other parents of children with disabilities and service providers. Some of her story includes discussion about trauma and suicide prevention, and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Noor came to the U.S. as a refugee ten years ago with his five children, three of whom have special healthcare needs. He shares the journey he took with his family to obtain diagnoses and disability services for his family - and it was a long journey. Despite the challenges they faced, Noor shares his gratitude for the supports that are available for them in this country, and hopes to help others who share similar experiences.

Tia is a 21 year old college student living in Logan, UT, who was adopted from China. In her story, she gives us insight on how mental health diagnoses have impacted her life both positively and negatively. She also goes in depth on how she has learned to advocate for herself.

Mindy is from a rural area of Utah, and shares her experiences as a person with a disability there. From her sudden diagnosis (or lack thereof) to the unique challenges of being a wheelchair user in a small town, she shares it all. Her experience has taught her how to be more compassionate, and she hopes to spread that awareness by sharing her story.

Eloy is a Hispanic fourteen year old from Utah with autism. We asked him about his experiences in school and receiving disability services, and how his culture impacts it all. Per his request, only audio is being shared from his interview.

Cynthia is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and teacher from Salt Lake City, UT. She was born in India, moved to Utah in her teens, and has lived in the US ever since. She was recently diagnosed with several diseases, the most impactful being Type 1 Diabetes. She shares her difficult experience with getting a diagnosis and receiving services, and insights about how to be a more culturally responsive healthcare provider and human being.

Meet Ana from Logan, UT. She is a Latin American woman living with mental health diagnoses. She shares how her cultural background and disabilities intersect in this episode of Utah's Multicultural Disability Network's Digital Storytelling Series. *Trigger Warning*: This video contains conversation about suicide and suicidal ideation - viewer discretion advised.