Perspectives | CommunicationFIRST

This page contains resources, announcements, guest blogs, essays, videos, and other stuff. Come back often!

See Us, Hear Us Film Screening & Chat with Bob Williams & Forest Haven Survivors Ricardo & Donna Thornton

By Communication FIRST | May 19, 2025

This webinar first aired on October 15, 2024, and begins with a screening of CommunicationFIRST’s latest See Us, Hear Us film featuring Bob Williams. It is followed by a discussion among CommunicationFIRST Policy Director Bob Williams, Forest Haven Institution survivors Ricardo Thornton and Donna Thornton, and advocate and ally Rebecca Salon.

Virginia Legislature To Require AAC Training in Schools

By Communication FIRST | Mar 28, 2025

A smiling child wearing a gold crown sits in a mobility chair outside while looking at an AAC device.

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

CommunicationFIRST Statement Opposing Attack on the Administration for Community Living

By Communication FIRST | Mar 27, 2025

Multiple white marble columns on a bright day.

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

Advocating for Policy Change

By Communication FIRST | Mar 19, 2025

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

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.

What Would You Do Without Your Aide?

By Communication FIRST | Jan 31, 2025

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

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!

My Voice Wasn’t Coming Back

By Communication FIRST | Jan 22, 2025

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.

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 on Embracing Change in AAC Technology

By Communication FIRST | Dec 30, 2024

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.

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.

Bob Williams on the Power of Free Speech

By Communication FIRST | Dec 15, 2024

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.

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.

Communicating in Times of Stress

By Communication FIRST | Dec 5, 2024

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.

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

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