Rollins College's graduate, Elizabeth Bonker gave a powerful speech at the school's graduation ceremony using text-to-speech technology. "You have a voice. Use it," she advised graduates. It seems funny that a non-speaking autistic (孤独症患者)encourages you to use your voice. However, her moving speech touched not only her fellow classmates but also the worldwide audience with a powerful message of hope.
Throughout her academic career, Elizabeth has studied hard to reach her goals at school and in life. She wrote a book, I Am in Here, which highlights the abilities of people like her with non-speaking autism. She also founded a non-profit organization called Communication4 All.
Elizabeth has a form of autism that resulted in her losing the ability to speak when she was 15 months old. After she lost her speech her family helped her learn to communicate by typing. She has become a supporter of assistive communication and typing instruction for those with non-speaking autism.
"I have typed this speech with one finger with a communication partner holding a keyboard, "shared Elizabeth. She gave her persuasive speech through text-to-speech technology.
Elizabeth majored in social service with the purpose of helping the 31 million people in the world who have non-speaking autism. She strongly believes that service to others gives meaning to each individual and to those they serve.
Throughout her life, Elizabeth has sought a platform where others would hear and accept her. She ignored negative comments and the low expectations others had for her life. Instead, she walked down her own path and set out to realize her dreams using intellect, talent and determination. She encouraged her fellow classmates to use their education and the power of their own minds to help make their dream a reality.
