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CommunicationFIRST Joins Federal Lawsuit Against Illegal Restraint and Seclusion

By Communication First | Oct 8, 2019
image of US Supreme Court

Washington, DC – A lawsuit filed today alleges that students with disabilities in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) experience unjustified discrimination, psychological trauma, and physical harm from the widespread and improper use of restraint and seclusion.
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Making Communication a Reality for All

By Communication First | Oct 2, 2019
wood plank hand-carved with capital letters A-Z and numbers

We can and must advocate together for the human and civil right to effective communication for all children and adults, regardless of condition, disability, and support need. Here is why I believe this is CommunicationFIRST’s urgent, essential duty.
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Defining “Intellectual Disability”

By Communication First | Oct 1, 2019
stylistic quotation marks on orange background

Does the “ID” Label Do More Harm Than Good? CommunicationFIRST recently submitted comments in response to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) July 1, 2019 public call for input on a proposed revision to the definition of “intellectual disability” (ID) in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual…
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Meet Board Chair India Ochs

By Communication First | Aug 29, 2019
base of white marble columns evoking justice theme

Meet CommunicationFIRST Board Chair India Ochs, a lawyer, social justice advocate, parent, avid soccer player, fan of musical theater, and student of karate, not necessarily in that order. She was also born with a speech-related communication disability and is a life-long AAC user. India has been active throughout her…
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Meet CommunicationFIRST Director Judy Heumann

By Communication First | Jul 24, 2019

Anyone familiar with US disability rights history needs no introduction to Judy Heumann. We are honored that she has decided to take up this important fight and to share her wisdom and experience from decades leading the disability movement and advancing civil and human rights worldwide. Judy kindly agreed…
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