We are so excited to share with you My Say My Way
My Say My Way is
- A collection of accessible methods
- An alternative to Tell Them From Me survey
- For students with moderate and high support needs
- In New South Wales, Australia
My Say May Way was developed in 2020-21 by
✓ NSW Department of Education
✓ University of New South Wales Sydney
✓ 24 schools in New South Wales
My Say My Way uses three types of methods:
1. Photovoice
✓ Taking photos of things students like and dislike at school
✓ People, places, actvities, experiences
2. Body Mapping
- Using a map of their body filled with
✓ Images
✓ Words
✓ Symbols
- About things students like and dislike at school
- Click here to watch a few videos about body mapping
3. Adapatable Survey
✓ About school experiences of students with moderate and high
support needs
✓ There are 3 versions for students with different support needs
Questions students were asked
✓ What they liked
✓ How they learnt
✓ What they learnt
✓ Relationships with school staff and other students
✓Life after school
How many students took part?
✓ Survey Version 1 was completed by 49 students from 15 schools
✓ Survey Version 2 was completed by 121 students from 21 schools
✓ Photovoice and Body mapping was completed by 138 students across 19 schools
What we learnt from the survey – positives
✓ Teachers help students
✓ Students like learning new things at school
✓ Most students liked their school
✓ Students felt they were doin well at school
What we learnt from the survey – things to improve
✓ Only about half of the students knew their learning goals
✓ Only about half of the students were involved in setting their learning goals
✓ Many students felt bored at school
✓ Some students disliked feeling scared and being yelled at
What we learnt from Photovoice and Body mapping – positives
✓ Students most liked physical activities at school
✓ Students enjoyed leisure and toys at school
✓ They also liked academic classes and learning activities
My Say My Way
o Addresses an important gap
Why?
o These students usually do not have a say about their education
o This happens all around the world
o My Say My Way gives these students a voice
My Say My Way supports inclusion
✓ Supporting students to have a voice is important
✓ It will help them to speak up for themselves
Our Thoughts
ALL students
o Should be able to have a say
o Need to be a part of setting their goals
o Learn differently and in different pace, and that is OK
o Need time to complete their work
Teachers and other school staff
o Need training in accessible methods
o Should also use plain English and Easy Read English
o Have enough time in their workload to support their students
We are very proud that we were a part of this fantastic partnership
o That created My Say My Way
Please share with us your comments and questions
o We would love to hear from you
