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Maraya Asks- “What was it like to be on a youth panel at the 23rd Annual Back to School Meeting?”

Maraya Asks- “What was it like to be on a youth panel at the 23rd Annual Back to School Meeting?”


Interviewer: Maraya, YAB Youth Engagement Coordinator
Interviewee: Bella, Youth Leader & Self-Advocate 

On Monday, September 14th, Bella performed a song she wrote at the 23rd Annual Bureau of Special Education Back to School Meeting.  Also, Bella participated in the opening plenary session as well as an afternoon breakout session along with peers, including Maraya.




Maraya: "What was it like for you getting to share your real-life experiences navigating through school with the educational leaders and districts?"


Bella: “It was fun and educational. It felt good knowing that the educational leaders and directors were listening to my experiences and learning from them."

Maraya: "What is one word you would use to describe what participating in a panel felt like. Please share why you chose that word."



Bella: “The word I would use is 'amazing,' it felt amazing participating in the panel because the educators were truly listening to me and the other panelists. They were even taking notes on our experiences so they could bring what they learned back to their work-spaces, and hopefully create positive change.”

Maraya- "What advice would you give another YAB member who may want to participate in panels, but may perhaps still feel a bit nervous? What can they expect?"

Bella- “My advice would be to be yourself, be honest about your experiences, and don’t overthink your answers. This was my first panel, and I didn’t have a script prepared- I spoke from the heart. If you mess up, just keep going. The audience doesn’t know exactly what you planned to say. It’s like performing a song or dance routine: most of the time, you are the only person who knows you made a mistake. Just keep going, speak honestly, and have fun with it.”

Maraya- "After having heard your stories and experiences, what do you hope these leaders and educators walked away with?"


Bella: “I hope the leaders and educators walked away wanting to make changes in their own environments and ask students more questions. Accessibility is not just something that is written on an IEP- It is something that people with disabilities rely on every day. An accommodation might look right on paper, but that doesn’t always mean it is working for the particular student. Students’ needs can change over time, and every student is different. Educators can ask questions such as “Is this accommodation working for you?” ;“Do you feel safe and included?; and “Do you feel seen, valued, and heard?

If a student is struggling, don’t simply watch and assume they will ask for help. Some students may not feel comfortable speaking up or advocating for themselves yet. Ask questions, listen to the students, and never assume something is working just because it was written in their plan.""

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