Technology is helping activist Jordyn Zimmerman, a nonverbal autistic woman, find her voice.
Zimmerman's childhood was spent communicating through body language and drawings. She has bounced around numerous school systems in Ohio. It wasn't until she turned 18 that she finally revealed her true self. That's when she started using her Proloquo, an augmentative and alternative communication app.
The 29-year-old said the moment she heard her voice properly for the first time was “joyful” but “very confusing” for her family.
“For almost 18 or 19 years, they've been trying to figure out who I am, what I'm capable of, my inability to feel and empathize deeply with others, to learn, to communicate, to engage. “I kept hearing from many experts about how it couldn't be done,” she said. “And here I was, sharing and debunking all the things that had been held to be true for so long that were completely inaccurate.”
She said iPad technology has given her “a lot of confidence to really connect with people” and has changed her relationship with her brother, creating a bond that didn't exist due to communication barriers.
“My brother and I have a great relationship that started 10 years ago and continues to grow,” she said. “We didn't have a chance to get to know each other until then.”
Zimmerman's voice, long unheard, is now being heard on some of the biggest platforms. She serves on the President's Commission on Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and presents in schools across the United States. Her goal is to provide better resources and educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
She said she would like to see technology used more in education to help non-verbal students.
“Our school systems frequently isolate students when they cannot speak or rely on language for understanding,” she said. “And once students are isolated, it's hard to change things. We have to rewrite the rules.”
Zimmerman's direct communication style caught the attention of Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's head of global accessibility. Mr. Zimmerman has been named an Outstanding Educator by the company and uses his Apple Live Speech feature for daily communication.
“Jordan has one of the best senses of humor and you see the look on her face when she has something she wants to express and she types it out and makes that look and puts a smile on her face. And I love the fact that our technology is actually helping us show the world exactly who she is,” Helllinger said. Ta.
Zimmerman expressed hope that her advocacy work will create a more understanding and supportive world for all children.
“Every time I publish and share my story, I impact someone. And every time I share feedback about an experience that could positively impact someone else, I feel good. “And I'm proud that we were able to change the narrative in that way,” Zimmerman said. “I know I can't change the world alone, but I can certainly create a workforce that will help drive meaningful improvement and demonstrate that we all have a valuable contribution to make.” .”
