CommunicationFIRST
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communicationfirst.bsky.social
CommunicationFIRST
@communicationfirst.bsky.social
1K followers 130 following 120 posts
Disability-led 501(c)(3) protecting the civil rights of humans who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
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communicationfirst.bsky.social
CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · Oct 10
Our Advisory Council Member #AliceWong appeared on a #Radiolab episode called #Voice! Listen for her amazing insights and a shoutout to CommunicationFIRST (1:00:48): lnk.to/rlab. Alice starts speaking at 00:32:47 and 00:58:45. Transcript here: lnk.to/rlabt.

@sfdirewolf.bsky.social

📷 Photo…

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[Image: Alice Wong in her wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck connected to a ventilator. A smiling Alice wears a pink plaid shirt and pink pants, and her AAC device is mounted in front of her.]
communicationfirst.bsky.social
We love showcasing our community in our #VisibleAAC photo bank. Any #AACUser who wants to share a photo of yourself &/or your #AAC, email info@communicationfirst.org with PHOTOS in the subject line, or you can hashtag #VisibleAAC if you post. You may appear in our comms efforts!

[Image: Bob…

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[Image: Bob Williams sits at the head of the Roosevelt Room conference table in the White House with his AAC device mounted on his power chair. He is laughing along with President Obama, Attorney General Holder, & other disability leaders. Above this photo is the CommunicationFIRST logo, & below it is the text: Because communication is a human right.]
November 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
With mixed feelings, we share that our co-founder Bob Williams is retiring from an incredible 4-decade career serving the #DisabilityCommunity. His tireless, principled advocacy has changed lives, & CommunicationFIRST wouldn't exist without his leadership. lnk.to/retiring

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[Image: Collage containing both photos of Bob & photos of Bob enjoying the company of others whose paths are intertwined with his. The collage is set on white.]
November 6, 2025 at 2:49 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
It’s been 100 years since DC’s #ForestHaven institution for people with I/DD opened. Watch our webinar on its closure, featuring two former residents & our own Bob Williams, an advocate for #CommunityLiving & the #Medicaid programs that make it possible. lnk.to/fhyt

[Video: Webinar…

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October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Our Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman advocates that people who need & use AAC must be leaders & co-designers of AAC technologies. She writes about this in Impact, a journal from the Institute on Community Integration. She's featured in its 40 Big Ideas issue! lnk.to/bigidea @jordynbzim.bsky.social

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[Image: A smiling Jordyn Zimmerman takes her place at a conference table. On the table in front of Jordyn is her AAC device, an iPad.]
October 27, 2025 at 10:27 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
We'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated in our #ArtificialIntelligence webinar! Whether or not you could make it, please take this short survey to help us gauge what you know about #AI & how tools like AI shape your communication: lnk.to/aisurvey.

[Image: A swirl of…

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[Image: A swirl of different colors against a dark background, representing a neural network.]
October 23, 2025 at 2:04 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
#AI has much potential for people who need & use #AAC – potential that could be good, bad, & ugly. Wednesday learn more in this webinar with Purdue's Dr. Rua Mae Williams, author of Disabling Intelligences: Legacies of Eugenics & How We Are Wrong About AI. lnk.to/ai101

@fractalecho.bsky.social

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[Image: Blue graphic titled, AI 101 for AAC Users. Text reads: Webinar Featuring Rua Mae Williams, Author of “Disabling Intelligences.” The graphic displays a webinar date of 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET October 22, 2025, the CommunicationFIRST logo, and a headshot of Dr. Williams. Next to their headshot is this quote: “Whether you are an AI optimist, skeptic, or pessimist, none of us can afford to be fatalists. When we resign ourselves to the inevitability of oppressive systems, we give in to a desperate world.”]
October 20, 2025 at 1:48 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
From the team behind The Ride Ahead comes a new educational webinar series, Our Ride Ahead! Check out their upcoming webinars for disabled youth on dating, relationships, romance, and sexual health: rideaheadfilm.com/webinars. Part 1 will take place on October 24 at 7pm ET to discuss...

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[Image: A navy, yellow, and orange promotional graphic for two "Our Ride Ahead" webinars. Text reads "Part 1: Disability & Dating. October 24, 7pm ET. Ages 16+" with headshots of Bianca I Laureano and Evan Sweeney. Below text reads "Part 2: Disability, Romance, & Sexual Health. November 6, 6:30pm ET. 18+" with headshots of Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman, Rise, and Bianca I Laureano. Below text reads "RSVP for free at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars"]
October 17, 2025 at 9:08 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Sign up for our 10/22 webinar with Dr. Rua Mae Williams, titled "AI 101 for AAC Users:" lnk.to/ai101. Rua will be joined by Board members Jordyn Zimmerman & Godfrey Nazareth to discuss potential impacts of #AI for people who need and use #AAC.

@fractalecho.bsky.social @jordynbzim.bsky.social

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[Image: Black graphic titled, AI 101 for AAC Users: Rua Mae Williams, Godfrey Nazareth, & Jordyn Zimmerman in Conversation. The graphic displays headshots of the three discussants, the CommunicationFIRST logo, and a webinar date of 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET October 22, 2025. A description reads: Dr. Williams (“Disabling Intelligences: Legacies of Eugenics and How We Are Wrong About Al”) will lead a discussion on the potential impacts of artificial intelligence for our community.]
October 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Our Advisory Council Member #AliceWong appeared on a #Radiolab episode called #Voice! Listen for her amazing insights and a shoutout to CommunicationFIRST (1:00:48): lnk.to/rlab. Alice starts speaking at 00:32:47 and 00:58:45. Transcript here: lnk.to/rlabt.

@sfdirewolf.bsky.social

📷 Photo…

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[Image: Alice Wong in her wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck connected to a ventilator. A smiling Alice wears a pink plaid shirt and pink pants, and her AAC device is mounted in front of her.]
October 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Our truly amazing supporters and the #AAC community have had our back for SIX years! Help us reach our 6th birthday celebratory fundraising goal by week’s end: lnk.to/pledge. We’ve got $7.2k out of $10k remaining to ensure we can keep fighting for communication #equity.

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[Image: CommunicationFIRST logo and tagline: “Because communication is a human right.” The logo is surrounded by colorful party hats, balloons, confetti, candles, noisemakers, and curly ribbons.]
October 9, 2025 at 12:32 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
The work we do to advocate for people with speech-related #disabilities is more important than ever. To celebrate SIX years of hard work, we want to raise $10k by 10/10, our 6th birthday. Share our birthday #fundraiser far and wide so we can meet our goal! lnk.to/pledge

[Video: Bob...

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October 5, 2025 at 2:29 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
We’ve spent the last SIX years advocating for everyone with communication #AccessNeeds, such as those from #autism, #aphasia, & any other #disability. In celebration, we want to raise $10k by 10/10, our 6th birthday. Please join our b-day fundraiser today! lnk.to/pledge

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October 1, 2025 at 3:57 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Last call: take our short survey if you haven't yet! lnk.to/env We want to know your thoughts on #BlueEnvelope programs, programs aimed to reduce misunderstanding between drivers with disabilities & police in a traffic stop. We've been asked what we think about them.

[Image description: A…
[Image: A closeup of red, white, and blue lights on the roof of a police car.]
September 29, 2025 at 6:26 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
We spent much of summer rallying. Our Co-Founder Bob Williams gave this address at a 60-Hour #ProtectMedicaid Vigil: lnk.to/prtct. As #Medicaid policy battles continue, try to remind yourself: no matter what is done, can be undone. Keep fighting the good fight with us!

📷: Photo by…

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[Image: Bob Williams wears a plaid hat and glasses. He sits in a powerchair with a microphone near his speech-generating device. Behind him is the US Capitol building.]
September 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
We interviewed Board member Lateef McLeod about his dissertation on #PeerMentorship for people who need & use #AAC. It confirmed the importance of mentorship by us & for us, & of co-creating mentorship spaces #accessible to people who use a variety of AAC. lnk.to/aacphd

[Image: Lateef…

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[Image: Lateef McLeod smiles at the camera. Next to his image it says, “If my research is used to create more opportunities for people who use AAC to have better options for AAC, mentorship, and peer support, then my dissertation will have done its job. Lateef McLeod.” Below Lateef’s name is the CommunicationFIRST logo.]
September 23, 2025 at 6:34 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
People with #disabilities don’t want to live in #institutions. Two survivors of #ForestHaven, an infamous D.C. institution, told their stories during our webinar: lnk.to/fhweb. Hear from Ricardo and Donna Thornton on one of the worst US cases of #InstitutionalAbuse.

[Video: A panel of Zoom…

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September 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
d-mcnaughton.bsky.social
Critically important information, wonderful to see the complete special issue is now freely available! See link in original post
communicationfirst.bsky.social CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · Sep 15
The journal of #AugmentativeAndAlternativeCommunication published papers from our Future of #AACResearchSummit! Nearly all of the 21 papers are authored or co-authored by someone who uses #AAC. Access these papers & watch many of the authors present here: lnk.to/aacfr. 📷: Photo by Steven Sutfin

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[Image: AAC users Lateef McLeod (left) and Lance McLemore (right) present on stage at the Future of AAC Research Summit in May 2024. Lateef and Lance type on communication devices. Across from them, the backs of two audience members’ heads are visible. They appear to be listening attentively].
September 17, 2025 at 12:52 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
The journal of #AugmentativeAndAlternativeCommunication published papers from our Future of #AACResearchSummit! Nearly all of the 21 papers are authored or co-authored by someone who uses #AAC. Access these papers & watch many of the authors present here: lnk.to/aacfr. 📷: Photo by Steven Sutfin

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[Image: AAC users Lateef McLeod (left) and Lance McLemore (right) present on stage at the Future of AAC Research Summit in May 2024. Lateef and Lance type on communication devices. Across from them, the backs of two audience members’ heads are visible. They appear to be listening attentively].
September 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
reelabilities.bsky.social
#TheRideAhead made its New York premiere at @docnycfest.bsky.social presented in partnership with ReelAbilities. Now, the film is available to stream for FREE on PBS through September 19!

Stream The Ride Ahead: rideaheadfilm.com/watchpbs
Watch the full Q&A: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdTq...
August 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Please let us know what you think about #BlueEnvelope programs here: lnk.to/env (by 9/29). We were asked what we think of these programs, which are designed to reduce misunderstanding between drivers with #disabilities and police during traffic stops.

[Image: A police car with lights…

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A police car with lights flashing is pulled over behind an SUV. The cars are on a busy city street in the evening, with many streetlights and other lights in the background.
September 11, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
thinkingautism.com
"Blue Envelope" programs have been created in some states and counties to try to reduce misunderstanding between drivers with disabilities and police, during traffic stops. @communicationfirst.bsky.social created a survey to hear what you think about these programs:

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Community Survey on Blue Envelope Programs
CommunicationFIRST has been asked what we think about "Blue Envelope" programs. These programs in some states and counties have been created to try to reduce misunderstanding between drivers with disa...
docs.google.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
d-mcnaughton.bsky.social
Grant Blasko is 22 years old, autistic, a full-time user of AAC, and a university student. His paper, “Unveiling underlying systemic isolation challenges for AAC users”, is free at
doi.org/10.1080/0743...
@communicationfirst.bsky.social @isaacinternational.bsky.social @ussaac.bsky.social
Picture of (left to right) Tracy Rackensperger, Cynthia Blasko, Grant Blasko, and Kevin Williams. Screenshot of text that reads “Establishing a shared understanding of the strategies, techniques, and skills of successful AAC users could challenge ableist expectations while fostering group solidarity.”
July 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
d-mcnaughton.bsky.social
endever* describes their “meaningful participation in society as a semispeaking AAC user, the importance of self-determination and interdependence, and the critical role of participatory research.”
Free at AAC journal doi.org/10.1080/0743...
@communicationfirst.bsky.social @ussaac.bsky.social
Picture of endever* corbin. Screenshot of text that reads “I want everyone who struggles with speech – no, every disabled person period – no, every single human – to have an opportunity to explore multiple robust, culturally and linguistically appropriate, queer-friendly AAC options.” (corbin, 2025) corbin, endever*. (2025). Speech is exhausting. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2025.2513907
July 21, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Reposted by CommunicationFIRST
d-mcnaughton.bsky.social
Jordyn Zimmerman calls for “a more user-centered design approach across the board—where AAC users are not merely participants, but leaders…”
Free at doi.org/10.1080/0743...
@communicationfirst.bsky.social @ussaac.bsky.social @isaacinternational.bsky.social
Picture of Jordyn Zimmerman presenting at the Future of AAC Research Summit, and text that reads “There must be deep understanding around our needs, desires, and pain points—with the goal of designing and developing in ways that efficiently address them." Beyond access: the intersecting role of AAC, literacy, and technology Zimmerman (2025)
July 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM
communicationfirst.bsky.social
CommunicationFIRST was thrilled and honored to help our amazing partner @Little Lobbyists help celebrate its 8th birthday this morning with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi!

#CancelTheCuts
#ProtectMedicaid
A group of medically complex children pose with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi A group of medically complex children pose with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, with Bob Williams in the foreground, looking on Tauna Szymanski and Bob Williams pose with the US Capitol in the background A large sheet cake with the Little Lobbyists logo.
July 24, 2025 at 4:42 PM