Strengthen the 1st national movement to protect and defend our #rights as people with speech-related #disabilities! Please share this and donate to our birthday #fundraiser before 10/9: lnk.to/C1hbd7. Every way you support our community of #AAC users is so appreciated.
[Image: A blue balloon, the…
![[Image: A blue balloon, the words “Celebrating 7 Years!,” and the CommunicationFIRST logo and tagline: “Because communication is a human right.”]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiaohmwocqtscw4gkl2ckgdohaejoohbcgc42i2l7lg37jmilpfk64)
![[Image: Two photos of disabled people gathered together in groups, engaging with each other. A third photo features a disabled person looking to the side while resting their hands on a cane. Below the photos are large words that say “Share your voice! Community Input Survey.” Blue, purple, and green decorative elements make up the background.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreifk2idzef7wd7t626daixbqf62pu3wgb6psdoabnmonkdisf2hjje)
![[Image: A boy smiles and waves, while holding his speech generating device and wearing a backpack.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreifxczrmbauft6rhymokagn2rch6pu5222oxcv3uasa63natjdsvm4)
![[Image: A person with long hair obscuring their face puts a ballot in a ballot box.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreieb2ungk3czg6fstfozjndhrj2se3e2x6shi4wibigi5zgizxvcbq)
![[Image: a promotional graphic with the title "OUR RIDE AHEAD: Air Travel While Disabled" and headshots of Rosemary McDonnell-Horita, Emily Ladau, Elizabeth Dicker, and Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson. Text below reads "September 15, 4:00 pm PST/7:00pm EST, Virtual, RSVP for FREE at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars." In the bottom right corner is the text, "with support from," and a Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation logo.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreigk56l2ppvrc6r7go4uopwn3f3q2exzrejfetnsa3g7zmdge6pqlq)
![[Image: Four members of the CommunicationFIRST team gather on Zoom for a film screening. Pictured from top left to bottom right are Ren Koloni, Marrok Sedgwick, Katie Pagett, and Bre Mercier.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiayzhcgxoerbxin6t2mbnw2esy7qs7glo45eqhkn4szdeh4gh6lay)
![[Image: A young boy wearing a mask holds up a speech generating device with the sentence, "I want family."]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreifb6c7bf2oaw3sk2szu4ofsnzssroibhduf74gvuog6w6zllydetm)
![[Image: CommunicationFIRST’s Lauren Proby smiles at the 2026 National Council on Independent Living rally while holding a sign that reads "ADA 36/We won't go back".]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreihqe7jic2mn55xwh6hxfopq4q2bfacqskgwqpv3gii6wpnof4gzle)
![[Image: Flyer titled: Community Calls on IACC to Review All Public Input Before Strategic Plan Vote. It features the logos of Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CommunicationFIRST, Autism Science Foundation, Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, Profound Autism Alliance, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Autistic People of Color Fund, Institute for Exceptional Care, and Coalition of Autism Scientists.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreigwzc3s5oovwg2ck4qkpuxqvkdmp26fxjckoquuj5c7ruw3gwhtyq)
![[Image: Two disabled friends meet up at a restaurant. One friend holds their phone and sits at a table with menus. The other stands while using a black and gold cane.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreifz4sn65artzg2iojipc44wri5d5yaj3mhu44zf3hp3ptdiffflji)
![[Image: Defend Olmstead and integration is written in large white lettering over a blue background. Below it is the CommunicationFIRST logo and the tagline: Access. Opportunity. Justice.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiexypw2ebtjgaug4i5zmtnwdwv6svryrq27hqx2dfndxqw3oi3mie)
![[Image: An autistic woman is shown from the back as she uses her popsocket fidget stim and sits on a park bench.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreih6vbn4xdlg2q5iombatds3vafw3ailsdr6ioqdupyjfql2dsrbay)
![[Image: A Deaf man standing outdoors smiles and looks at something in the distance while signing.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreier7a5s3hgrwu2z4z7amumb3r766s7rrazsz4hur23fhgmuv4nk7e)
![[Image: Photographed from behind, a young AAC user sits at a school desk with her AAC device. A teacher reading a storybook is projected onto a screen at the front of the classroom.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreico3a5babxwaxhyzs4j3nm5ebkpxbixlaiklfend375zvdhrqhcry)
![[Image: A close-up of the palm of a person's hand. "No" is written on their palm in bold letters.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreif7xqdsrl7v65bu2tn72isdr47pzmlpdj6bsidsoo3hkkyfoz2j24)
![[Image: While sharing a picnic blanket outside, a young autistic couple uses pens and notepads as AAC tools. On the left, a woman lays on her stomach and writes. On the right, a non-binary person sits and writes.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreifc2paaipvndmkkwdyu7dmp6nx65fymkcgusdh4lvjah3ejiwef6e)
![[Image: Focus group participant Juan Cobeñas sits at a desk with a letter board laying in front of him.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreicvxwhfyad6ycvhzpygnno6pul52linxz5qek2uednrulxteak5di)
![[Image: A disabled genderfluid person types on a laptop while wearing compression gloves. The hands and keyboard are the focal point.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiegtno6bdnfybo7c7lkzpn5n6tw63ktvabsmicpmz2txj4xhd7rtm)
![[Image: A small group of people use a laptop outdoors. A closeup shot focuses on their hands.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreidrgmeaxm4ihiqzridicpcxspmemx7q7d6j3t5lao5dufnot4ti3i)
![[Image: “We must not turn back time,” attributed to Bob Williams, is written in bold white letters against a black background. The CommunicationFIRST logo is centered below Bob’s name.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreigrappsjhykcyftvnlwfz3vu7vepfltp4mckwcxmwsurtyfjrmmwq)
![[Image: Sitting in front of a microphone, Governor Abigail Spanberger proudly holds up a signed copy of the Virginia Acts of Assembly. Next to her is a young girl wearing a shirt that says: Speech does not make someone more human. Behind them, people are clapping.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiacd5keeedloz2sgn7id54pstuvv27qjdrgjvw22clkzvmvnkxlt4)
![[Image: Mr. C, The Autistic Teacher, wears a green sweatshirt that says, "Speech does not make someone more human." He holds hands with his kid, who wears a purple sweatshirt and noise cancelling headphones. They both smile.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreigwtlr3c5giyp74r4h7of7dlhdmkj5dp4qjpzb74tw34dwe2gq3ti)
![[Image: Co-directors Samuel & Dan Habib & co-producer Erica Lupinacci smile while Dan holds up an Emmy statue.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreib2nyamodrypbplgilgluz6dizbqyl35ai6w6uhq5embirlwhepwu)
![[Image 1: Sam Crane, Michelle A. Meade & discussion moderator Andrew Jager sit on a stage below a screen that says, “American Hospital Association Healthier Together Conference. Stronger Communities. Better Health Outcomes. May 12 - 14, 2026. Dallas.” An audience sits in front of them, & a sign language interpreter stands to the side of the stage.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiertcxlyr6bycz7p2jham54gj7xysyiinavq6jkgijuy6dggqdqqq)
![[Image 2: A slide with a collage of words with small icons representing some of them: “Improving Care Experience For People With Disabilities. Healthier Together Conference welcomes Sam Crane, Michelle A. Meade, & Henry Claypool, with Andrew Jager.” The word collage promotes understanding how to support people with disabilities through supported decision making & centering patients’ needs & experiences.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiad7zzmypiulqedmu6ot5eyfeflljm42xq2edgm4dm65mo6voo2gy)
![[Image: Wearing a dark cap and light brown jacket, Hari Srinivasan stands inside stone castle ruins along the coast of Northern Ireland.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiek7rqqjkbtynnkkmcxy6ltswjawvoqhxhxkz2h5zprqnsuoroz2m)
![[Image: A person sits in a powerchair with an AAC device in front of them, looking up at a teenager who looks back at them.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreif3o2wgwaiw4xwkvohk7lswzhbmh7k3vqblyfyr5j3szqbahxhtwq)
![[Image: Shubha Balabaer wears big, fashionable sunglasses and a Disability Culture Lab T-shirt that says, “cure ableism” five times, each in a different color to make a rainbow.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreie2rjvabah3j73mjvnukylnctvl5xklsaz4zie3k25nb6cfofgmqu)
![[Image: Graphic with a quote attributed to Ren Koloni: “It’s not a feature that makes a program more or less accessible. It’s an attitude.” The CommunicationFIRST logo appears under Ren’s name.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreif6yhr75eqonro2f3w7aa4nt3uvxfrywsbfugfgvvvaxh6rwxudyi)
![[Image: At the tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, Sam Crane, Ayesha Elaine Lewis, and Britt Belwine stand by fellow presenter Otto Lana who is seated at a conference table with his AAC device in front of him.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreigseacncppgi4b2zifa7w52y4j7wdmeol6uvdsq5b7wtx6gaour5e)
![[Image: Headshot of Ren Koloni accompanied by a quote. It says, “We are bursting with curiosity, opinions, thoughts, ideas, and wisdom. We enrich the exchange of knowledge. Without us, the conversation will always be missing something crucial.” Ren’s name and the CommunicationFIRST logo are below their quote.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreid3gc3refecnprnddfdmsfg2qee45ugarljnn26klizjpjvjelh44)
![[Image: A woman holds a baby, both smiling broadly. The baby, who is in the midst of clapping his hands, wears a shirt that says, "LISTEN #ListenToNonspeakers" with the CommunicationFIRST logo. The woman wears a pin with the CommunicationFIRST logo.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiacl7d4fwka2odaufxpf5axq5fybzdl66wilhksxgvdnaeigpeqou)
![CommunicationFIRST has endorsed the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the once-controversial statue of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his wheelchair at the #FDR Memorial. Our co-founder Bob Williams attended 2001’s statue dedication with fellow #disability leaders.
Image Credit: FDR Memorial Legacy Committee
[Image: Top panel: Bob Williams sits between Henry Claypool and Alan Reich in a crowded event tent at the 2001 dedication of the President Franklin D. Roosevelt Prologue Room Statue. Bottom panel: A statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting proudly in his wheelchair.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreicxtdwpx3hm6yfxppmxrpravzjwo37mupxxzununtnfjlvt2dk3eu)
![[Image: Bold black and white text is centered against a green and black background: “Join our team. Seeking a treasurer. Access. Opportunity. Justice.” The CommunicationFIRST logo is below these words.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreieaa2zh3lvhgsaxe6zd65oz6gkk7ojehyu2kymwqdkb6d5advjaqa)
![[Image: A 2020 pencil sketch by Riva Lehrer called “Zoom Portraits: Alice Wong (Study)” in The Struggle for Justice exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. In the portrait, Alice wears a ventilator with her hair pulled back and has a neutral expression on her face.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiaw3xo52uqttph2dzjllp6sdqi62o44my2xsod2tb67uq7x3fobde)
![[Image: Central white text reads, "Keynote Session: Improving Care Experience for Individuals with Disabilities." Layered on a blue textured background are also three headshots of smiling people with their names: Henry Claypool, Administration for Community Living; Sam Crane, CommunicationFIRST; Michelle Meade, University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness. Below this is the American Hospital Association logo and blue text on a white background that reads: "American Hospital Association Healthier Together Conference, May 12-14, 2026, Dallas. Stronger Communities, Better Health Outcomes."]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreihiegmnppqdqpk5phxzpico7mnlhb5zckjz63mdkeusg3wdimxaqu)
![[Image: A closeup of a tablet held by a person in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging from their neck. A second person, wearing scrubs, stands behind the tablet.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rttsf4zrtbea47kiv56ec4vb/bafkreiccedc7bae7yscprld4vqx5rcetrlkkpf6nsvpae2wiaacu5cwt4i)