Historic Moment (Podcast #27)
Opening Comments: Welcome back all, this episode will probably be the most important one we will ever do. This is about how non speaking individuals may have just influenced a significant change in the lives of so many individuals (both within the autism community and the general public at large). So what you will be hearing for the next 8 minutes are comments non speakers shared (by tapping or typing one letter at a time on a letterboard, keyboard or an electronic device) while meeting with NYState Senators or their aids at the State capitol prior to the State Legislature voting on the Communication Bill of Rights. (:49)
A quick fact before we get into our writings, on June 13, 2025 the NY State Bill A7363 the Communication Bill of Rights for Individuals with Disabilitites was unanimously passed by the NYState Legislature (134-0). This has to do with protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; this provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner. So if the individual wants to use a letterboard, ipad, keyboard or any other type of electronic device, they can. I really can’t emphasize enough how monumental this moment is, this is huge, this is a game changer and will surely change lives in such a positive and impactful way. It’s amazing! (1:52)
So let me set the stage for what you will be hearing from these individuals. They walked the halls of the NYState capitol building in Albany and quite a few politicians along with their aids made themselves available and engaged in dialog with the non speaking individuals, along with their CP’s by their side. (2:22)
First up is Elizabeth Bonker, who is 27 years old and has been either tapping or typing one letter at a time since the age of 5. Who you also may know from her commencement speech as valedictorian from Rollins College in 2022 went viral on social media. Today, Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to ensure all nonspeakers have access to communication and education. Listen to her comments as she responds to a number of politicians throughout the day during her visit:
Thank you for meeting with us.
We are hopeful that this bill will save souls from suffering in silence.
One third of autistics are nonspeakers like me. We need this bill to give us communication that works for us.
We are so hopeful that you will help free us.
We have a motor disorder, not a cognitive one.
Life goes from hopeless to hopeful.
We need this bill. It will give us a voice.
The deaf have sign language and the blind have braille. Now is the time for nonspeakers to type.
We need families to have choice.
We regulate with communication and education.
Free all the nonspeakers from their silent cage.
You are seeing the lucky few. The other nonspeakers need to have the opportunity.
The nonspeakers suffer in silence. We can free them. I learned to type at 5 and was mainstreamed in public school. With communication, nonspeakers can be educated and be productive members of society.
We are hopeless in silence and now we have the ability to have friends and tell our parents we love them. Thank you for caring.
We will meet with anyone who will help with this bill. We will be so happy to thank all who support this bill.
The bill is just the Americans with Disabilities Act for communication. We are the last to get our civil rights.
There are studies about how we have dyspraxia and dysregulation. I am doing my dream. Communication 4 all.
We need to change the way people understand nonspeaking autism. Work gives meaning to life.(5:33)
Next up Trevor and Tyler Mason, for you regular listeners you may recall these two brothers have previously been on the podcast and shared their material as they attend M2H Learning Center. While walking the halls of the State Capitol building along with their parents they shared the following comments:
One person asked, what was it like to be so smart but unable to communicate? Trevor said, "It was indescribably terrible."
Trevor and Tyler’s folks provided background on the kinds of opportunities they’ve had since they began spelling. Tyler shared "I work for the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network as a Nonspeaking Coordinator." Trevor shared "My brother and I attend Westchester Community College."
Also mentioned was how they are both registered voters and how soon after they began spelling they started to discuss their political leanings and their concerns about global warming. One senator commented, "Aha! I thought that they were probably democrats."
Trevor and Tyler shared throughout the day how they are published poets, song writers, and short story writers.
And at one point during the day Tyler said “ I don’t know who you are but can you help us get this bill passed”.
Last up is 13 year old Abby Newbold who was accompanied by her mom and tapping on the ipad she writes:
All I need is 26 letters to say my unique thoughts”. And “That spelling helps me stay regulated.(8:17)
Closing comment: In closing, it is my humble opinion based on what I’ve been told if not for these spellers this bill does not get passed. And I believe these non speaking individuals have just played a critical role in changing the course of history for all within this community. ….This has been a long time coming, on a personal note, on behalf of my entire family, friends and I’m certain I speak for many other families within the community as well, a big THANK YOU to the State Legislature for recognizing this basic and fundamental human right for these individuals. One last note, the next step in the political process is getting this passed by the NYState Senate, once that happens it then will need a signature by the Governor. This is not a done deal but we are all extremely optimistic and hopeful! The ask is to continue to reach out to your local representative and ask for their support. That’s it till next time.
Contact us: mywordsrmyvoice@gmail.com
Authors: Elizabeth Bonker, Trevor Mason, Tyler Mason and Abby Newbold
Podcast produced @ Caffeine Academy, West Babylon NY ( INFO@CAFFEINEACADEMY.COM)
Background music: The Times They Are A-Changing by String Quartet Tribute to Bob Dylan