My name is Chiaki Nakayama. I am the chair of Inclusion International’s Survivors Network. Please watch my short video asking survivors of institutions to share their stories.

What is the Survivors Network?

The Survivors Network is a group of self-advocates who have lived in institutions. Members come from different countries. Together we:

  • explain why institutions are not good places to live
  • talk about how to support people who want to leave institutions
  • share our own experiences and views about deinstitutionalisation

Easy Read Information on the Survivors Network

What is an institution?

An institution is any place where people with disabilities are separated from the community. People in institutions do not have control over their own lives, like who supports them and what they do with their time.

Institutions can be big or small. They have many different names, for example long-stay hospitals, nursing homes, protected living centres or group homes.

Watch an easy video explaining institutions

Survivors of institutions are people who have lived in an institution and now live in the community. Or people who still live in an institution but are trying to leave.

Why are we collecting videos?

A lot of work is happening on deinstitutionalisation around the world. Survivors’ own voices are the most powerful way to show why institutions must close.

We want to use the videos to launch a campaign. The videos will help share messages about deinstitutionalisation with politicians and government officials.

We already have great videos from members, but we would love to hear from more people, in more countries.

How to take part

  • Please send your video by 15 November 2026.
  • Your video should be around 8 to 10 minutes
  • You can film it using a phone or record a call on Zoom.
  • We have made an easy read guide on how to make your video. Download the guides in English, Español, Português, Français or العربية.
  • To submit your video file, please email Ailis. If your video is a big file, you can send it with WeTransfer.
  • Then fill in this form so we know it’s arrived: https://forms.gle/4H8JDcrfD7QmVZg19
  • We will only share your video if you say yes, and you can tell Ailis if you change your mind at any time.

Are you an organisation or supporter? You can help survivors you work with to make and send a video.

Email Ailis at Ailis.Hardy@inclusion-international.org to find out more about the Survivors Network.