Speaker: Dr. Tyi-Sanna Jones

Communication is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right. For nonverbal young people, the ability to express themselves, advocate for their needs, and participate meaningfully in their communities hinges on access to effective, individualized communication systems. Yet too often, these youth are offered limited tools, delayed interventions, or narrowly defined methods that fail to honor their full potential.

This talk will explore the critical importance of providing nonverbal children and teens with multiple means of communication—ranging from AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems to sign language, gestures, visual supports, and beyond. Drawing from current research, lived experience, and real-world examples, we will examine how a flexible, multimodal approach enhances independence, safeguards against abuse and neglect, and opens doors to relationships, education, and self-determination.

Key topics will include:

• The dangers of a “one-size-fits-all” approach to communicationThe intersection of communication access and disability rights
• How multimodal strategies can evolve across settings (home, school, community)
• Practical ways families, educators, and support teams can implement and advocate for diverse communication options

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how communication access is directly tied to quality of life—and with tools and strategies they can use to support nonverbal youth in becoming empowered, connected, and heard.

Intended Audience: Educators, therapists, family members, disability advocates, support staff, and anyone invested in equity and inclusion for nonverbal individuals.

Join us for our upcoming Community Lecture Night! This will be online only. Please register for the event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m7yBFuCpSQK_BFhqN7n-wg

• When: May 18th from 6:00-7:30 PM
• Where: Zoom AND streaming on YouTube
• Meeting Accessibility:
  • There will be sign language interpreters and closed captioning available on Zoom. 
  • Chat will be disabled on Zoom during the lecture to better serve people using screen readers. Participants will still be able to message the hosts.
  • When it comes time for the Q&A, people may ask by messaging in the chat so the host can read it out loud or by raising their hand on Zoom so the host can call on them to ask by voice or by ASL.
  • For more information, check out our Technical Info page.

If anyone has any other access needs please contact accessmobpittsburgh@gmail.com as soon as possible, but no later than May 13th.

Speaker Biography:

Dr. Tyi-Sanna Jones is a proud Pittsburgh native and graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She also holds advanced degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Jones has served as a classroom teacher, teacher educator, and strategic consultant in both educational and organizational settings.

A passionate advocate for access and inclusion, she is widely recognized as a dynamic facilitator, community builder, and thought partner. Beyond her professional work, Dr. Jones is a yogi, author, creative, fashion enthusiast, and self-proclaimed overthinker. She lives with intention—grounded in faith, love, and purpose.

Funding for this lecture comes from a grant from the Opportunity Fund.