I-094 - Monday Plenary/Tapestry Table: Beyond Words: Insights Into More Compassionate Practices

Elizabeth Bonker is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to gain communication for the more than 30 million nonspeakers with autism worldwide. Ms. Bonker, who is affected by autism, learned to type on a letterboard at age five and, later, on a keyboard. Her decade of advocacy work includes a book, I Am in Here, a TEDMED Talk, and a music album. In May 2022, Ms. Bonker’s valedictorian commencement address at Rollins College went viral with more than 4 billion media impressions propelling her mission onto a global stage. She has given keynote addresses at Disability and Neurodiversity conferences around the world, including Europe and Asia. Ms. Bonker is a member of the Autism Society’s Council of Advisors and Justice Center Task Force. She shares her personal experiences as an individual affected by autism, shedding light on how autistic individuals are often treated unfairly, rendered invisible or ignored. Through her story, she offers valuable insights that can deepen society's understanding and foster more inclusive, compassionate practices.