Opening Comments: Welcome back all, this episode is once again about freedom of speech, …a fundamental and basic human right. So we’re gonna continue to press on to support these non-speaking autistic individuals basic right to communicate based on their preference. And if you’ve been listening to the last few podcasts I’m sure you have been impressed with their writings and more importantly the desire for their voices to be heard and accepted. However, that doesn’t happen until we get the NYState Senate to pass and then have the Governor sign off on the Communication Bill of Rights for Individuals with Disabilities. So for the next 8 minutes take a listen to what freedom of speech means to some more of these non speaking individuals: (1:00)
A quick fact before we get into our writings, according to the World Health Organization 1 in 160 children in the world has ASD. Onto our writings:
We are going to lead off with the sage of the group, Alan Alexander. He’s been on the podcast several times before, he’s in his mid 50’s and only started communicating his thoughts and feelings when he was in his early 40’s. Take a moment and just think about that. So Alan taps out one letter at a time on the letterboard the following:
That communication bill can change people’s lives. Have to share my story. I thought I was trapped inside not knowing the life band of the atmosphere. I wanted my mind to have courage to speak out just to find my words trapped. Over the years I lost hope. Then I met Soma and began to have a voice. Have to make sure this bill passes to make sure no one else gets stuck. No person should lose their voice.
Comment: thanks Alan, and couldn’t agree with you more……no person should lose their voice.
The next 2 writings come out of M2H Learning center in Mt. Kisko NY and they worked with their CP Judy Chinitz on the letterboard. First is 12 year old Vinny Bertrani and he writes the following:
Freedom of Speech: Inside me is so much. I am smart and have so much to say. But my stupid body totally does not work. It doesn’t allow my real thoughts to come out of my mouth. I talk for real by typing my words on a letterboard. But so many people don’t believe we are typing. Why they don’t, I really don’t understand. The facts are: my teachers and my Mom don’t touch me. They don’t move the letterboard. There is literally zero chance they are telling me what to say. All you have to do is watch me to see that. But the nonbelievers never take the time to actually watch us. They just deny me the right to talk in the way I can. I have to be home schooled because they won’t allow me to use this method in school. So what does freedom of speech mean to me? It means not only the right to say anything, but also the right to say it any way I choose. That is the meaning of freedom of speech: the right to express yourself.
Comment: Thanks Vinny and for sharing your truth. Keep expressing yourself (4:25)
Next is 28 year old Dusty Sweeney and he titles his writing:
Our Freedom: The right of free speech means more to we nonspeakers than to anyone else. We are not only dealing with the right to say what we want, but also the right to say anything. The opposition to our choice of communication methods is fierce. There are so many people who would silence us forever if they could. The fact that we have voices at all disturbs their equilibrium. But like everything new that is true and real, typing will win. That is the greatness of America. Their negative voices are heard…but so are our silent ones. And we are claiming our freedom of speech, and our freedom to express it however we want.
Comment: thanks Dusty and I love your optimism and agree that typing will win.
The following 2 writings come out of REV in Maryland and both worked with their CP Miranda. Bradley Zakus is 23 years old and he taps out on the single stencil board the following:
Letters are my lifeline. Don't I have the right to survive. Without them I am broken. Fix me. Make my mind whole. Hear and believe every word I spell. Deep in my soul I yearn for more. How could you say no. (6:26):
Comment: thanks Bradley and your plea was stated so very clearly, keep writing and with your writing and others I’m really not sure how they can say no.
Next is Casey Clark and working on the stencil board he writes the following:
My relationship with God is so strong my faith is never tested. My powerful mindset controls my anxiety. Its hard to sleep sometimes because my brain never rests. I have so many thoughts that don’t stop. I want to put them somewhere so I pray. Angels protect me and my family. Back of my mind is a storage unit. I never forget things. My senses work in overdrive. Each day without spelling I needed to savor my realest thoughts. Finding a safe place to keep them. Now having the chance Im taken seriously. My words matter. (7:50)
Comment: thanks Casey and yes words do matter and you’ve said it so well.
Last but certainly not least is our friend Danny Costello and tapping on the letterboard one letter at a time he writes:
Freedom of speech. Communication allows my power of speech to be my own. How I express my own ideas and share my thoughts. Holding a board for myself is my goal, but until then I can rely on others to help me. However, I am still using my own words. True freedom is having your ideas heard and your beliefs respected. So, I need to use a letter board. Writing this way is what I need to get my words out. Speech does not need to be spoken.
Comment: Danny as always appreciate your insight, thanks for coming back on the podcast. And you said it, speech does not need to be spoken.
Closing comment: In closing, the ask once again is that each and everyone of you please support this community and their basic human right to communicate. To do that all you need to do is reach out to your local representative and send a letter or email with your full contact information, which would include your home address and ask them to support the Communication Bill of Rights for Individuals with Disabilities (bill A7363). If you live in any other state please educate your local representives and reference this bill. As I’ve stated many times this world becomes a far better place when we begin to truly listen to these individuals. That’s it, till next time. (10:06)
Authors: Alan Alexander, Vinny Bertrani, Dusty Sweeney, Bradley Zakus, Casey Clark, and Danny Costello
Contact: Authors at: mywordsrmyvoice@gmail.com
Podcast produced @ Caffeine Academy, West Babylon NY ( INFO@CAFFEINEACADEMY.COM)
Background music: America the Beautiful by Jason Swanson