“We are bursting with curiosity, opinions, thoughts, ideas, and wisdom. We enrich the exchange of knowledge. Without us, the conversation will always be missing something crucial.” Ren Koloni’s name and the CommunicationFIRST logo are below their quote.]

[Image: Headshot of Ren Koloni accompanied by a quote. It says, “We are bursting with curiosity, opinions, thoughts, ideas, and wisdom. We enrich the exchange of knowledge. Without us, the conversation will always be missing something crucial.” Ren’s name and the CommunicationFIRST logo are below their quote.]

CommunicationFIRST Program Associate Ren Koloni shares their experience in graduate school as a multiply #disabled #AACUser. Ren discusses #access for our community and their research on #ableism in medical settings: lnk.to/RenGrad.

[Image: Headshot of Ren Koloni accompanied by a quote. It says,...

who is in the midst of clapping his hands, wears a shirt that says, "LISTEN #ListenToNonspeakers" with the CommunicationFIRST logo. The woman wears a pin with the CommunicationFIRST logo.]

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[Image: A woman holds a baby, both smiling broadly. The baby, who is in the midst of clapping his hands, wears a shirt that says, "LISTEN #ListenToNonspeakers" with the CommunicationFIRST logo. The woman wears a pin with the CommunicationFIRST logo.]

It's not too early to start shopping for Mother’s Day. With some new #CommunicationRights gear, moms (and their sidekicks!) will look great and support our mission. Browse CommunicationFIRST shirts and accessories: lnkfi.re/c1shp.

[Image: A woman holds a baby, both smiling broadly. The baby,…

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Listen is a wonderful short film, if you haven't seen it yet. Because there is no #AutismAcceptanceMonth without autistic AAC users—including those who need, but don't currently have or use, AAC. Thank you @communicationfirst.bsky.social & film cast for your messages.

communicationfirst.org/LISTEN/

adds: “Just because I cannot speak does not mean I don’t hear. I hear everything people say to me or about me. I may not show understanding in my face, but I know and understand. Not a word said escapes my so strong ears.”]

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[Video: Montage of photos and video clips featuring nonspeaking autistics and a voice-over. LISTEN narrator Bobby Shabangu says, “People have a lot to say about us. They write stories and biographies. They produce plays and make movies about us. But they are not listening to us.” Rhema Russell…

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#TheTruthAboutAutism is folks have a lot to say about it, but they are not listening to #nonspeakers. CommunicationFIRST firmly believes in the motto #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs. To learn about communication rights & access from autistic people, watch LISTEN: lnkfi.re/listenfilm.

@autisticadvocacy.org

Credit: FDR Memorial Legacy Committee

[Image: Top panel: Bob Williams sits between Henry Claypool and Alan Reich in a crowded event tent at the 2001 dedication of the President Franklin D. Roosevelt Prologue Room Statue. Bottom panel: A statue of FDR sitting proudly in his wheelchair.]

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CommunicationFIRST has endorsed the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the once-controversial statue of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his wheelchair at the #FDR Memorial. Our co-founder Bob Williams attended 2001’s statue dedication with fellow #disability leaders. Image Credit: FDR Memorial Legacy Committee [Image: Top panel: Bob Williams sits between Henry Claypool and Alan Reich in a crowded event tent at the 2001 dedication of the President Franklin D. Roosevelt Prologue Room Statue. Bottom panel: A statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting proudly in his wheelchair.]

CommunicationFIRST has endorsed the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the once-controversial statue of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his wheelchair at the #FDR Memorial. Our co-founder Bob Williams attended 2001’s statue dedication with fellow #disability leaders.

📸 Image...

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and white text is centered against a green and black background: “Join our team. Seeking a treasurer. Access. Opportunity. Justice.” The CommunicationFIRST logo is below these words.]

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[Image: Bold black and white text is centered against a green and black background: “Join our team. Seeking a treasurer. Access. Opportunity. Justice.” The CommunicationFIRST logo is below these words.]

#Volunteer opening alert! If you’re experienced with #FinancialManagement, please apply to CommunicationFIRST’s Board as our Treasurer. We are seeking someone who is passionate about our mission and knowledgeable about #accounting and budget functions. lnk.to/treasurer

[Image: Bold black…

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Photo credit: Tauna Szymanski

[Image: 2020 pencil sketch by Riva Lehrer called “Zoom Portraits: Alice Wong (Study)” in The Struggle for Justice exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. In the portrait, Alice wears a ventilator with her hair pulled back & has a neutral expression on her face.]

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[Image: A 2020 pencil sketch by Riva Lehrer called “Zoom Portraits: Alice Wong (Study)” in The Struggle for Justice exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. In the portrait, Alice wears a ventilator with her hair pulled back and has a neutral expression on her face.]

#AliceWong would have been 52 this month. We feel Alice’s continued presence as we honor her legacy. Join us by taking action on a #DisabilityRights issue important to you and attending her memorial, which will be streamed on 3/25 at 2pm ET. lnk.to/alicemem

@sfdirewolf.bsky.social #AliceIsLove

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Meade, Univ. of Michigan Center for Disability Health & Wellness. Below is the American Hospital Association logo & blue text on a white background that reads: "American Hospital Association Healthier Together Conference, May 12-14, 2026, Dallas. Stronger Communities, Better Health Outcomes."]

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Central white text reads, "Keynote Session: Improving Care Experience for Individuals with Disabilities." Layered on a blue textured background are also 3 headshots of smiling people with their names: Henry Claypool, Administration for Community Living; Sam Crane, CommunicationFIRST; Michelle…

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[Image: Central white text reads, "Keynote Session: Improving Care Experience for Individuals with Disabilities." Layered on a blue textured background are also three headshots of smiling people with their names: Henry Claypool, Administration for Community Living; Sam Crane, CommunicationFIRST; Michelle Meade, University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness. Below this is the American Hospital Association logo and blue text on a white background that reads: "American Hospital Association Healthier Together Conference, May 12-14, 2026, Dallas. Stronger Communities, Better Health Outcomes."]

Are you attending this year’s #HealthierTogether Conference? CommunicationFIRST Director of Policy & Legal Advocacy Sam Crane is part of a panel of experts presenting on 5/13 & discussing #HealthCare best practices for people with #disabilities: lnk.to/hlthtog. @samanticka.bsky.social

[Image:…

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[Image: A closeup of a tablet held by a person in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging from their neck. A second person, wearing scrubs, stands behind the tablet.]

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[Image: A closeup of a tablet held by a person in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging from their neck. A second person, wearing scrubs, stands behind the tablet.]

Our colleagues at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network created a toolkit to teach Medicaid 1115 waiver #advocacy. 1115 waivers let state governments make some changes, such as who gets #Medicaid, what Medicaid pays for, and what rules there are. Learn more: lnk.to/1115wat.

@autisticadvocacy.org

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Large red and teal text reads “National Call-In Day” with the date March 5th 2026.Underneath, smaller text says “For special education and disability rights.” A black telephone handset is pictured on the left side against a textured background with red burst accents.

March 5 is a National Call-In Day to protect special education and disability rights.

Families and advocates are invited to contact Congress to support federal protections for students with disabilities.

Call the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Calling tips: https://bit.ly/IDEA-CALLING-TIPS

[Image 1: Closeup of the Judith E. Heumann Memorial Bridge and CommunicationFIRST Policy Manager Lauren Proby smiling as she poses in front of it.

Image 2: Long shot of the bridge and bare trees on a cloudy March day ahead of the 3-year anniversary of Judy’s passing (3/4/2026).]

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[Image 1: Closeup of the Judith E. Heumann Memorial Bridge and CommunicationFIRST Policy Manager Lauren Proby smiling as she poses in front of it.]

[Image 2: Long shot of the bridge and bare trees on a cloudy March day ahead of the 3-year anniversary of Judy’s passing (3/4/2026).]

#JudyHeumann, one of our founding Board members, used this bridge for decades. DC’s Connecticut Ave Bridge was renamed Judith E. Heumann Memorial Bridge to honor her incredible commitment to #DisabilityRights. Sharing as we remember her on the 3-year anniversary of her passing 💙

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[Image: Jordyn Zimmerman stands on the steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with the West Wing of the White House behind her.]

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[Image: Jordyn Zimmerman stands on the steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with the West Wing of the White House behind her.]

At an Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services listening session, the plea of attendees was clear: don’t weaken oversight of equity in #SpecialEd. Learn ways to advocate & how OSERS has supported students like our Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman. lnk.to/jzosers @jordynbzim.bsky.social

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Graphic featuring a map of the United States with nine states highlighted in red: Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Black lines point from the 9 states to a callout box that reads, “9 states are attacking the right of people with disabilities to live in the community.” The headline reads, “Texas v. Kennedy (2026): The renewed attack on Section 504 and Olmstead. Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:30 am PT | 1:30 pm ET.” REGISTER"

Nine states are targeting the integration mandate that protects disabled people from forced institutionalization.
Learn what’s at stake and how to fight back.
Feb 25 | 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET
Register: dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q1oN...

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.]

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[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.]

“Working together is vital to our survival more than ever,” says our co-founder Bob Williams. In an interview from (Un)Hidden: Disability Histories & Our World, Bob shares some of the history he participated in & calls us to act now for #DisabilityRights: lnk.to/unhidden.

[Image: Bob…

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hands in triumph, while seated in a mobility scooter in front of a stone building. She wears a black graduation robe.]

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[Image: Glenda Watson Hyatt raises her hands in triumph, while seated in a mobility scooter in front of a stone building. She wears a black graduation robe.]

In our newest guest blog, Glenda Watson Hyatt answers our questions about her recent master’s thesis on the employment (and #discrimination) of people with #SpeechDisabilities, including those who use #AAC: lnk.to/glenwh.

@queensuresearch.bsky.social

[Image: Glenda Watson Hyatt raises her…

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you have a voice, you can use it to help bring dignity back for the members of the more marginalized autistics. Let’s change the plotlines and the narratives around nonspeaking autistics so more and more are allowed to be visible in society and avail of opportunities in all kinds of areas.”]

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