2017 TASH Conference

The purpose of this session is to engage in a discussion about building capacity for systems and inclusive environments that support people who type and use letter boards to communicate. Four nonspeaking autistic panelists will share their incredible journeys into learning to use letter boards and keyboards as their primary method of communication, along with the support systems that allowed them to be communicatively successful. The panelists include Tracy Thresher (a self-advocate who was featured in Wretches and Jabberers documentary), Larry Bissonnette (an artist and self-advocate featured in Wretches and Jabberers documentary), Emma Zurcher Long (a teenage self-advocate and blogger at Emma's Hope Book), Rhema Russell (a young self-advocate and blogger at Rhema's Hope) and Diego Pena (a 9 year-old author of bestselling book, Anatomy of Autism). The panelists will share their personal stories and insights into the approaches, supports, and systems that have been put into place to facilitate their inclusion as people who communicate differently. This session will contribute to conversations about the power of access to communication, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for people with autism. Concrete practice and policy recommendations will be discussed with educators and professionals who are increasingly being called to support the communication and educational needs of students with autism. Dr. Edlyn Pena will moderate the panel presentations and a follow-up interactive discussion.