Your lived experience is a vital part of the real story. Share your story today.
Make A Video
Let’s Fill the World with Our Voices
- Get out your phone – we know you have it on you. 🙂
- Pick your favorite platform where you want to post (Tik Tok, Instagram, Bluesky, X, Linkedin etc.)
- Make a video between 10-30 seconds on why access for people with disabilities is important to you.
- Make it personal — tell your story, and keep it real!
- Talk about what helps you work, go to school, live or travel independently and why we must expand access for everyone.
- Keep it positive – no complaining, blaming or shaming anyone. Just your story about accessibility means to you.
- Post your video and tag Yes! Access – use #YesAccess #KeepItReal #TellYourStory
- Tell your friends to do it too!
What Makes a Yes! Access Story?
A powerful story from our community should be:
Personal – grounded in your experience, not abstract policy
Values and connection driven – focused on shared values that drive connection, like fairness, independence, family, dignity, and community
Positive and empowering – honest about barriers, but hopeful about what’s possible
Relatable – help others see themselves or their loved ones in your experience
Actionable – it should help people understand why access matters and feel like they can help
I’m in. But I don’t know where to start. How do I make a video?
We’re glad you asked! 🙂
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Step 1: Plan Your Video
Your video should be short and direct (15-60 seconds).
Use the Story Prompt document to shape your message and Storytelling Guide for help developing your message
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Step 2: Record Your Video
Choose a quiet place with good natural lighting to record
Use the Video Recording Tip Sheet for help with getting the best video captured.
Speak clearly and naturally.
Use good lighting and avoid background noise
Here’s a simple script to follow:
Introduction:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City, State].”
Start with a shared value:
Select a value (or two) you want to focus on, like independence, opportunity, dignity, family, or community. These are things that others can relate to. Consider answering the following:
What does that value mean to you?
How has that value been reflected in your life?
Are there challenges to having that in your life?
Example: “Independence to me is the ability to go to my favorite coffee shop. To do that, I use my modified car…”
Identify a moment:
Pick one experience or example. What happened? Be specific. Consider answering the following:
Where were you?
What were you trying to do?
How did you feel?
Example: “At the end of the day, when we had finished serving the food and all the volunteers were sitting around laughing and joking, I really felt a sense of pride and community.”
Show what access means:
Talk about the things that support your access and ability to live your values. Consider answering the following:
What would have made the situation better?
How did lack of access affect you? Or—how did access help?
Example: “504 helped my son get the support he needed in school. With this support, he has been able to learn and thrive. Without it, he wouldn’t be walking across that graduation stage – something important to his future and for his self-esteem.”
End with a call to action:
You don’t have to give a speech or become a commercial. But leave people with a sense of what needs to change — and why it matters. Consider answering the following:
What is important to keep doing so that you can live your values?
What would negatively impact your ability to continue to live your values?
Example: “Everyone wants to be a part of the community. Access to the community to shop, to work, to connect shouldn’t be optional. It should be a basic part of life. We need you to support making things accessible so that I can continue to be a part of the community.”
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Step 3: Upload to Your Favorite Social Media App
Open Instagram and tap the ‘+’ button.
Select ‘Reel’ or ‘Post’ to upload your video.
If recording directly in Instagram:
Tap and hold the record button to film.
Release when finished.
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Step 4: Add Captions and Hashtags
Write a short caption: “Disability rights are human rights. @YourCongressperson, will you stand up for 504 and Medicaid? #YesAccess #BeLikeJudy”
Tag your Congressperson in the post, if you can. Many have disabled this option, but you can still name them!
Don’t know who your Representatives are? Go to Congress.gov, put in your address and you will find out who you can share your message with!
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Step 5: Post and Share
Tap ‘Share’ to publish your video.
Post on your story to reach more people.
Send the video to friends and allies to boost engagement.
Encourage others to make their own video and tag their representatives.