Concluding Thoughts and Implications

In this final chapter, we return to the importance of individuals and communities having agency and autonomy in matters that concern them allows us to enrich our understanding of complex issues and fosters more inclusive solutions. The key themes that run through all the stories include belonging, critical friends/friendships, and teacher/adult beliefs. Each of these factors plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s sense of self-worth and identity both in the short and long term. It is hoped that through the case studies and commentaries, a holistic lens can be employed to determine what key factors can support success in one’s education journey and what factors are detrimental, creating and supporting better outcomes for people with disabilities.