Advocacy

“Lights in the Darkness”
We are so proud to announce that Angelo Reboira’s story is featured in Lights in the Darkness! Proceeds go directly toward advocacy and support for nonspeakers so order your copy now!

Lights in the Darkness is a collection of inspiring essays from nonspeakers that offer insights into our passions, creativity, intellectual and emotional depth. All proceeds from the book support advocacy and resources for the nonspeaking community. Available now in paperback and Kindle! Hardcover and Audible versions are on their way. Order your copy today and help us shine a light on nonspeakers’ talents and wisdom.

Advocacy For SPELLERS

Know Your Rights!
The Americans Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas including employment, transportation, public accomodations, communications and access to state and local government programs and services.

The “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA) was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 as the “Education for All Handicapped Children Act” (EHT) to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a “free and appropriate public education”, (FAPE) just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years In 1997 and again in 2004, additional amendments were passed to ensure equal access to education. The federal legislation is designed to ensure that children with disabilities be granted a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

ADA PDF

The History of IDEA

IDEA PDF

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER!
The ACCENT Act was introduced to congress by Senator Robert Casey September 21, 2023. In July of 2022 advocacy groups Forging Friendships and Communication First joined forces and met with Congress to discuss Communication Choice and how important it was to pass the bill being introduced to congress. Listening Creates Awareness for All Non-Speaking People to Advocate for their Own Rights. Angelo Reboira was one of many Non-Speakers to be heard. Our work is not nearly over. The current status of the ACCENT Act is still ‘INTRODUCED”. We need to flood congress to have this bill passed to stop discrimination against individuals who communicate through spelling.

ACCENT ACT
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OHIO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND TELL THEM YOU WANT THEM TO SUPPORT AND PASS SENATOR ROBERT CASEY’S PROPOSED ACCENT ACT!
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS:

Ohio Senator, Representative and Map of Congressional Districts Search https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/OH#senators
Ohio Legislature/Senate Directory
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/members/senate-director
Geauga County
Elected Officials – Geauga
Cuyahoga County
135th General Assembly Ohio House of Representatives
Portage County
https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3706/f/uploads/elected_officials_3.24.pdf
Lake County
Elected Officials – Lake County, Ohio

Let Your Voice Be Heard!