Counternarratives

A qualitative research and pedagogical technique, rooted in critical race theory and education research (Solórzano & Yosso, 2002), in which members of marginalized groups write and share their own stories to challenge dominant, “flat” narratives about their identities. In disability-centered design, counternarrative activities are used early in workshops as icebreakers and identity-reclamation exercises, validating participants’ lived experience and establishing psychological safety before co-design begins.