As part of #AutismAcceptanceMonth (and also just because), I’d like to uplift my amazing sister Elizabeth, and some of her remarkable recent accomplishments. Elizabeth has non-speaking Autism, which means that she communicates primarily using either a letterboard or iPad apps. An estimated 40% of people with Autism are non-speaking – 31 million people worldwide. Elizabeth, among countless others, has had troubles (to put it lightly) in the past accessing and learning to use this technology that allows her and other non-speaking people (with Autism and/or other conditions) to communicate in a way that works for them. To combat this, this week Elizabeth launched a non-profit, @communication4allorg, whose mission is to champion efforts to ensure communication is available to all non-speakers with Autism, through political advocacy, films, music, art, books, and many other avenues. As part of this effort, Elizabeth has partnered with a band called The Bleeding Hearts, and they are releasing their first two singles, Silent Cage and I Am In Here, today on all major streaming services (ie. Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Both songs are about Elizabeth’s experiences with non-speaking Autism, and are based on poems that she has written. More songs will be released in the coming months. (Fun fact: I sing backup on both of her released songs, and @tommorello is featured on Silent Cage!) If you know any non-speaking people, please send them Elizabeth’s way! You can also support Elizabeth and the non-speaking Autistic community by streaming her songs (if you have streaming services), following and/or sharing @communication4allorg, and, if you have the means, donating at communication4all.org. Thank you in advance for your support in any way. Let's keep making the world a better place for Autistic non-speaking people! #autism #autismacceptance beyond #autismawareness #communication4all #IAmInHere #nonspeakingautism #autismempowerment #neurodiversity (at Rollins College, Winter Park FL 32788) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcLhgBKJH8SnLt_ySkJ7m5TCAtguroMnIqVzhI0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
