"Access. Opportunity. Justice." is written above the round CommunicationFIRST logo in black and white, with the tagline "Because communication is a human right." On the right is the Giving Tuesday logo and the words: "Support the fight for communication justice and equity!"

We postponed our 4th birthday fundraiser in early October due to world events. This week, we are combining Giving Tuesday with that annual fundraiser and setting an ambitious goal of raising $25,000 by December 1! Help us celebrate our birthday and Giving Tuesday at the same time. We cannot advance our mission to improve the civil rights of people with speech disabilities without your support. The first $2,500 was matched by the law firm of Vanaman German LLP. The next $7,000 in contributions will be matched by The Gupta Foundation! Thank you for your generosity!

$25,150 of $25,000 raised

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    Donation Total: $250.00 One Time

    With your help, over the past 4 years, we have begun to transform the national conversation about the legal rights and lived experiences of people who need and use augmentative and alternative (AAC) tools and supports. We are ensuring conversations at the federal and state level around policy issues that impact us – guardianship, access to health care, restraint and seclusion, education, access to justice, employment, institutionalization, effective communication, and more – include our voices and address our interests. We are ambitious and unrelenting disabled advocates who believe in radical inclusion and acceptance. We are fighting to change hearts and minds, and to build a world that centers justice, community, dignity, and humanity. And we are just getting started. We have so much more to do and with your help, we will!
    A smiling child wearing a gold crown sits in a mobility chair outside while looking at an AAC device.

    Virginia Legislature To Require AAC Training in Schools

    By Communication FIRST | March 28, 2025

    Earlier this week, Virginia adopted its first law expressly addressing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Read our summary and statement of the law here.

    Multiple white marble columns on a bright day.

    CommunicationFIRST Statement Opposing Attack on the Administration for Community Living

    By Communication FIRST | March 27, 2025

    Read CommunicationFIRST’s statement in response to the planned elimination of the Administration for Community Living.

    Black words over a white background read: “The most powerful way to advocate is to tell your story.” Blue quotes surround the text.

    Advocating for Policy Change

    By Communication FIRST | March 19, 2025

    Medicaid is at risk! Your elected representatives need to hear how losing your Medicaid waiver would change your life. This Policy Advocacy for AAC Users toolkit provides some tips.

    Alongside their aides, AAC users eat boxed lunches at a table in a hotel atrium.

    What Would You Do Without Your Aide?

    By Communication FIRST | January 31, 2025

    Share how Medicaid cuts would hurt you or those around you who need Medicaid to stay in the community. We put together some resources from our amazing partners to make this easy!

    A voice amplification device hangs from a strap around Sophie Bohnen's shoulder, and its microphone attachment is positioned by her mouth. Sophie smiles and looks at the camera as she holds up a printed program.

    My Voice Wasn’t Coming Back

    By Communication FIRST | January 22, 2025

    Sophie Bohnen navigates the world with a whisper. When Sophie developed Laryngeal Dystonia, she adopted a voice amplification device and found her voice in advocacy. Sophie is creating a platform for people who go unheard to share their stories.

    Tim Jin, a smiling AAC user with a shaved head, sits in his powerchair and presents onstage at the AAC Research Summit. Tim's AAC device is positioned by his bare feet, with which he types.

    Tim Jin on Embracing Change in AAC Technology

    By Communication FIRST | December 30, 2024

    Typing with his toes is one way our Board Director Tim Jin communicates. Tim’s key(board) to success has been embracing change in AAC technology! Learn more from his AAC Research Summit talk.

    Outside the U.S. Capitol, CommunicationFIRST Policy Director Bob Williams poses with Executive & Legal Director Tauna Szymanski. The smiling co-founders sport sunglasses. An AAC device is fixed to Bob’s powerchair.

    Bob Williams on the Power of Free Speech

    By Communication FIRST | December 15, 2024

    In celebration of Bill of Rights Day, Bob Williams reflects on the power free expression holds for those of us who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.

    A glimpse over the shoulder of Ren, a fat nonbinary person with glasses and a partially shaved head visible, as they type into the AAC app on their smartphone. On their lap, a blanket is visible, patterned with smiling cartoon ghosts in the colors of the transgender flag.

    Communicating in Times of Stress

    By Communication FIRST | December 5, 2024

    Our resource guides people with speech-related disabilities and mental health conditions, allies, and lifeline workers.

    Lateef McLeod, a Black man wearing a black fleece top sits in his power wheelchair smiling at the camera.

    Dr. Lateef McLeod on “How Ableism Impacts People Who Use AAC”

    By Communication FIRST | November 20, 2024

    Dr. Lateef McLeod’s “How Ableism Impacts People Who Use AAC” presentation was first given at the Future of AAC Research Summit on May 14, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia.