About
CommunicationFIRST is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of the more than 5 million children and adults in the United States who, due to disability or other condition, cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. Led by Executive Director & Legal Director Tauna Szymanski, the organization works to ensure the majority of its leadership experiences a communication-related disability or health condition, or otherwise identifies as disabled. They strive to reflect the community's great diversity on their Board and in their work. CommunicationFIRST seeks improved leadership representation in various areas, including disability type/health condition, type of AAC supports used, race and ethnicity, gender and sexual identity or expression, age, geographic location, professional experience and skills, and life experience and perspective.
Insurance & payment
Insurance details are not listed publicly — call the practice to confirm.
Ask about sliding-scale fees if you're paying out of pocket.
Services & specialties
Advocacy
CommunicationFIRST advocates for the rights, autonomy, opportunity, and dignity of people with speech-related disabilities through public engagement, policy and practice reform, and systemic advocacy.
Research
The organization conducts research to prioritize the needs of AAC users and to promote equitable communication.
Education
CommunicationFIRST provides educational resources and support to help people understand and value disability as a valued and expected part of human diversity.