Our Stories
Rooted in Rights tells authentic, accessible stories to challenge stigma and redefine narratives around disability, mental health and chronic illness.
- Activism and Advocacy
- Autism and Neurodiversity
- Community Living
- Criminal Justice
- Disability History and Culture
- Disability Vote
- Education
- Emergency Preparedness
- Employment
- Family
- Health
- LGBTQIA+
- Media
- Mental Health
- Policy
- Race and Disability
- Relationships and Sex
- Sexual Harassment and Abuse
- Storytellers
- Technology
- Transportation

Mental Voices Africa – Phyllis
Phyllis is an I.T and Administration Professional with Logistics working experience. As a Mental Health Ambassador, she hopes to help destigmatize mental health and foster open dialogues about issues such as Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, and other disorders. As a Mental…
Mental Voices Africa – Brian
Brian Emmanuel Mbuthia created an online open forum on Mental Health called The Stronger Forum. Here he engages especially with young adults and invites teachers, parents and caregivers as part of creating conversations around Mental Health that he has been…
Mental Voices Africa – Festus (English voice over)
Content note: Mention of suicidal feelings Festus Maronga, is from Gachie, Kenya. He’s a student at Kenyatta University studying Diploma in Theatre Art and Film Technology. He loves writing poems and acting. He’s passionate about Child Rights and Mental Health.…
Mental Voices Africa – Festus (Swahili)
Content note: Mention of suicidal feelings Festus Maronga, is from Gachie, Kenya. He’s a student at Kenyatta University studying Diploma in Theatre Art and Film Technology. He loves writing poems and acting. He’s passionate about Child Rights and Mental Health.…
Friendsgiving is my Favorite Queer, Disabled Chosen Family Holiday
Our first Friendsgiving was in a dorm apartment on the third floor; we carried my friend, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, up the stairs along with her manual wheelchair. We drank cheap wine and ate home-cooked turkey…
What to Do DisGiving Season
Tis the season to support great causes and the disability community is doing a lot of incredible work!…
Stop Sharing Those Viral Videos of the Disabled High Schooler Scoring the Touchdown
As a lifelong sports fan, it’s no accident that I see several suggested videos emphasizing athletics on my Facebook feed. Too often, however, the half-court buzzer-beaters and game-winning touchdowns are interspersed with benevolent athletes offering charity to those they deem…
You Are Not A Burden: On Disability, Dating, and Support Needs
Dating with a disability can be hard. As an autistic person with a physical disability, chronic pain, and a few mental health disabilities, I face a lot of drama when it comes to dating. Disability is baked into every …