Technology has empowered activist Jordyn Zimmerman, a nonspeaking autistic woman, to discover her voice.
During her early years, Zimmerman relied on body language and pictures to communicate. Moving through various school systems in Ohio, it wasn't until she turned 18 and started using Proloquo, an augmentative and alternative communication app, that her true self emerged.
Now at the age of 29, she reflected on the moment she first had a genuine voice as "joyful," yet "deeply confusing" for her family.
"For almost 19 years, my family had been given a narrative by numerous professionals about who I was supposed to be, my limitations, and my inability to connect emotionally or learn," she explained. "But here I was, breaking down those misconceptions and proving them all wrong."
She credited the iPad technology for giving her "the confidence to truly engage with others," leading to a transformation in her relationship with her brother, creating a bond that had previously been hindered by communication obstacles.
"A decade ago, my brother and I began a remarkable journey of building our relationship from scratch," she revealed. "Before that, we were strangers to each other."
Zimmerman's once unheard voice has now found its way to prominent platforms. She actively participates in the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and delivers speeches at schools nationwide. Her mission is to enhance resources and educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
Expressing her vision for the future, she advocated for the increased integration of technology in education to support non-speaking students.
"Students who are non-speaking or struggle with verbal communication often face segregation within our education systems," she explained. "Once segregated, it becomes challenging to break free from that cycle. We need to redefine these norms."
Zimmerman's straightforward communication approach captured the interest of Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's head of global accessibility. Recognizing her talent, Zimmerman was honored as a distinguished educator by the tech giant and now utilizes Apple's Live Speech feature for her daily interactions.
"Jordan's sense of humor is truly remarkable. Watching her facial expressions as she conveys her thoughts and then types them out with a smile on her face is a joy to behold. Our technology plays a crucial role in helping her express herself to the world," said Herrlinger.
Zimmerman shared her hope that her advocacy work would lead to a more understanding and supportive world for all children.
"Every time I share my story and experiences, I know that I am making an impact on at least one person. By providing feedback and sharing my journey, I hope to positively influence others and change the narrative," Zimmerman explained. "While I may not be able to change the world single-handedly, I can inspire others to make meaningful changes and demonstrate that we all have something valuable to contribute."
