Technology has played a crucial role in helping activist Jordyn Zimmerman, a nonspeaking autistic woman, find her voice. Having spent her early years communicating through body language and pictures, Zimmerman’s true self was only revealed at the age of 18 when she began using Proloquo, an augmentative and alternative communication app. This newfound voice was described by Zimmerman as “joyful” yet “deeply confusing” for her family, who had been misled for years about her capabilities. The iPad technology not only gave her confidence but also transformed her relationship with her brother, allowing them to form a strong bond that had previously been hindered by communication barriers.
Now 29, Zimmerman’s voice has gained recognition on significant platforms, serving on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and giving presentations at schools nationwide. Her goal is to advocate for better resources and educational opportunities for students with disabilities, particularly those who are non-speaking. Zimmerman believes that technology should play a more prominent role in education to support non-speaking students, as the current system often segregates them, making it challenging to break away from existing norms and rewrite the rules.
Zimmerman’s direct communication style attracted the attention of Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s head of global accessibility, who selected her as a distinguished educator. Zimmerman uses Apple’s Live Speech feature in her daily communication, allowing her to express herself more effectively. Herrlinger commended Zimmerman’s sense of humor and the way Apple’s technology helps her showcase her true self to the world. Zimmerman hopes that her advocacy work will contribute to creating a more understanding and supportive world for all children, emphasizing the value of each individual’s contributions.
Through her advocacy work and storytelling, Zimmerman aims to impact and positively influence others, one person at a time. She believes that by sharing her experiences and feedback, she can facilitate meaningful improvements and help change the narrative surrounding individuals with disabilities. While acknowledging that she cannot change the world alone, Zimmerman is determined to inspire others to make a difference and show that everyone has valuable contributions to offer. By empowering individuals to create positive change in their communities, she hopes to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
