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A new book is bringing disability stories to the center of the conversation at the University of Rhode Island.

College of Education faculty Annemarie Vaccaro and Adam Moore are behind the project. Their book is called “Disability Life Stories: Unfiltered Voices on School, Family, Career, and Finding Purpose.”

It is based on a 10-year study. The authors followed 14 people with disabilities and listened to their experiences from college into adulthood.

The stories talk about real life, ranging from school challenges, family support, career paths and change over time.

“The struggles, successes, barriers and opportunities captured in the stories in this book are fundamentally human,” Moore said.

Some of the disabilities shared in the book include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, brain injury, deafness and vision loss.

“Following these college students into adulthood was among the most incredible experiences we’ve had as researchers and teachers,” said Vaccaro. “We were brought to tears (usually of joy) many times as we listened to the planned and unexpected journeys of these amazing young people.”

A book talk is coming up at URI’s campus on Monday, April 27 from 12-1:30 p.m. It will be held in the Anchor Room of the Higgins Welcome Center.

The event is free and open to the public and copies of the book will be available. There will also be time for discussion and questions.

For anyone interested in disability or education, this event offers a chance to be part of an ongoing conversation about inclusion and lived experience.

This article has information from URI.