<!-- LLM_VERSION_INFO
FORMAT: text/markdown
CONTENT_TYPE: article
ORIGINAL_URL: https://brookespublishing.com/resource-tag/disability-memoir
ALTERNATE_VERSION: resource-tag/disability-memoir/index.html (text/html)
EXTRACTION_DATE: 2026-07-26T15:36:08.963Z

This is the markdown version with text-only content (images converted to alt-text).
For rich formatting with images, request the HTML version at: resource-tag/disability-memoir/index.html
-->

## Unsilenced: One Teacher’s Personal Story of Battles and Breakthroughs at Belchertown

What was life like at Belchertown—a bleak institution for people with disabilities—and how did one young teacher make a difference? Find out in this candid and personal coffee chat with Dr. Howard Shane, author of the spellbinding new memoir Unsilenced. [Read More](/content/resource-library/unsilenced-one-teachers-personal-story-of-battles-and-breakthroughs-at-belchertown/index.html)

## Unsilenced: Chapter 13 Excerpt

In this excerpt from Chapter 13 of Unsilenced, Dr. Howard Shane recounts his early experiences teaching his students to use an innovative communication device he invented. It’s a fascinating look into the early days of augmentative and alternative communication. [Read More](/content/resource-library/unsilenced-chapter-13-excerpt/index.html)

## Unsilenced: A Teacher’s Year of Battles, Breakthroughs, and Life-Changing Lessons at Belchertown State School Excerpt

Read this excerpt from Unsilenced: A Teacher’s Year of Battles, Breakthroughs, and Life-Changing Lessons at Belchertown State School to get a preview of chapter one. [Read More](/content/resource-library/unsilenced-a-teachers-year-of-battles-breakthroughs-and-life-changing-lessons-at-belchertown-state-school-excerpt/index.html)
