Alumni Profile: Jordan Kallett ’16, Narayan Kini ’16, Ginger Myers ’16

Jordan Kallett ’16, Narayan Kini ’16, Ginger Myers ’16 Giving a Voice to Those with Special Needs

L to R: Ginger, Narayan, and Jordan

Three alumni from Langley’s Class of 2016 – Jordan Kallett, Narayan Kini, and Ginger Myers – wanted to reduce the stigma around those with special needs and advocate for their respect. So last year, these current high school seniors founded a student-led advocacy organization called Voices of the DMV which raises awareness and understanding of individuals with special needs. In October, they returned to their alma mater to share their experiences with current Langley students. We caught up with Jordan, Narayan, and Ginger to learn more about their organization and the role Langley played in sparking their passion.

Why did you start Voices of the DMV? GINGER: We noticed that many students at our high school and in the area had misunderstandings about the special needs community because they lacked exposure. We wanted to address this issue and bring awareness of the special needs community to break down barriers of misunderstanding which feed intolerance. We believe that education can break through any misunderstanding and that is what our organization strives to do.

What are the goals of your organization? NARAYAN: We are trying to raise awareness of the special needs community through storytelling, events, and education while also encouraging youth advocacy. Our website, voicesofthedmv.org, features articles, essays, photographs, and art submitted by those with special needs and other advocates in order to promote the idea that people with special needs are just like us. We also plan events to encourage young people to get involved and advocate for the special needs community, and have a membership made up of students attending more than 20 high schools and colleges.

What are some of the initiatives you have planned for 2020? JORDAN: As our latest initiative, we are developing a podcast to serve as another medium through which we seek to share stories and humanity. This podcast will include guests who can speak to their own personal experiences with the special needs community. We will also host a panel in February or March featuring members of the special needs community and their relatives discussing their experiences, with the goal of clearing up misconceptions and offering perspective into their lives. And we are launching a poster pledge at several DMV schools to encourage our peers to respect those who may seem different and take a step toward overcoming intolerance and misunderstanding.

How has your role in Voices of the DMV helped you grow personally? GINGER: Voices of the DMV has helped me grow in my understanding of other people and other groups that we may not immediately think of as similar to us. It has also helped me develop my voice as an individual who advocates for others and who is willing and ready to make a difference in the world around me. Overall, Voices of the DMV has taught me that I can stand up for what and who I believe in, and that I have the capability to make a real difference.

How did Langley help spark your passion for the special needs community? JORDAN: During my seventh-grade year at Langley, we visited the Kilmer Center, a Fairfax County public school for children with special needs. Although I was initially nervous to interact with a new group of people, I was greeted by dozens of friendly individuals and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. That visit to the Kilmer Center helped me discover that children with special needs are not individuals to be pitied; they have their own dreams and ambitions and they deserve respect.

What’s it been like working with Langley classmates on this project? NARAYAN: It’s been fun to reconnect with Langley friends and work on a meaningful project together. In addition to Ginger and Jordan, we have two other Langley alumni serving on our Executive Board of Directors – Molly Myers ’18 and Ella Sands ’17. I think Langley did an excellent job of teaching us to be kind, compassionate citizens who are able to respect people of differing backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives, which might be why so many of us wanted to become involved in promoting respect for the special needs community.