Responding to the Vote

Responding to the Vote (Podcast #28)

Opening Comments: Welcome back all, this episode is all about a civil rights issue that we all have a responsibility to respond to. In our previous podcast called “A Historic Moment”, which it truly was --- the NYstate Assembly back in June unanimously voted and passed the Communication Bill of rights for individuals with disabilities (state bill A7363). This will allow these individuals the ability to use whatever communication device they personally prefer (so that could mean using a letterboard, keyboard, ipad, or any other device they are comfortable using). So what you will be hearing for the next 6 minutes are comments from non speakers sharing their excitement, enthusiasm, optimism, appreciation and thankfulness based on the results of this recent vote. (1:05)

A quick fact before we get into our writings, this is by no means a done deal. The next step in this political process is for NYState Senate to vote and pass it, which will happen sometime in 2026. When that happens it, it then goes to the NYstate governor for signature. Onto our writings and take a listen to how this unanimous vote was received.

First up is 25 year old Luke Gilmore: using the letterboard he taps one letter at a time on his blog dated 6/16/25 which is posted on the M2H Learning Center website the following:

I am beside myself about the Communication Bill of Rights passing in the New York State Assembly. It is a huge step forward. The Senate is out of session until late in the year. I can't imagine that it won't pass because it was unanimous in the assembly. More and more people who are decision makers are seeing and believing. One day soon typing for communication will become standard for all non speakers. And I am becoming convinced that that day isn't far off. I believe now that we will win the battle against the naysayers.

Comment: Thanks Luke! (2:50)

Next up is Elizabeth Bonker, who happened to be one of the non speakers walking the halls of the NYState capitol building sharing her thoughts with Senators & aids by tapping one letter at a time prior to the voting process. As a reminder you may know from her commencement speech as valedictorian from Rollins College in 2022 which 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 response to the vote:

I am thrilled that we have reached this important milestone in disability rights for those of us who cannot speak and have so much to contribute to the world. Thank you to the advocates and allies that partnered with us to pass the Communication Bill of Rights in the NY State Assembly. We are grateful for Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara who sponsored the bill, and we look forward to working with Senator Pat Fahy to pass it in the Senate. Please join our C4A Network on the Communication 4 ALL website to help us pass the Communication Bill of Rights in New York and nationwide.

Comment: Elizabeth thank you for sharing and more importantly your commitment to this civil rights issue. (4:44)

Next up Trevor and Tyler Mason: they also walked the halls of the NYstate capitol building back in early June, meeting with many legislators and aids and communicating with them by tapping one letter at a time.

Tyler: I am super excited about the NY State Assembly passing the Communication Bill of Rights. The fact that it was unanimous says a lot, and sends a message that this bill needs to be passed.

Trevor: I am thrilled that the NY State Assembly passed the Communication Rights bill. I am hopeful that the Senate will pass it as well in the winter when they return to Albany. It's the right thing to do.

Comment: Gentlemen once again thank you for participating and for being so active and involved in a fundamental right for all. (6:00)

Closing comment: In closing, my petition is that each and everyone please take responsibility and respond to your local representative where ever you may live. And to all those non speakers who communicated based on their preference in the State Capitol building you are what I would call “true influencers”, individuals who will leave a positive mark on society. As you just heard this community as a whole is deeply engaged, involved and interested in pursuing what is right and just for each and every person. 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. (7:47)

Authors: Luke Gilmore, Elizabeth Bonker, Trevor Mason & Tyler Mason

Podcast produced @ Caffeine Academy, West Babylon NY ( INFO@CAFFEINEACADEMY.COM)

Background music: (Sam Cooke) – A Change is Gonna come by Martin Tallstrom