Inclusive education – with Jordyn Zimmerman, nonspeaking autistic advocate

Inclusive education – with Jordyn Zimmerman, nonspeaking autistic advocate

Author: Carolyn Kiel April 3, 2023 Duration: 37:15

Jordyn Zimmerman earned her bachelor's degree in Education Policy from Ohio University and her Masters of Education at Boston College. As a nonspeaking autistic student who was denied access to effective augmentative communication until she was 18, Jordyn has personal experience challenging the educational status quo. Her experience is featured in the 2021 documentary, "This Is Not About Me." 

Technology helped open Jordyn's world, and she began advocating for students. She has keynoted and presented at conferences around the world, is on the board of CommunicationFIRST, works as Director of Professional Development at The Nora Project, and has been featured by prominent media outlets. Recently, Jordyn was appointed to serve on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Jordyn is passionate and determined to make a difference in the world of education — making sure every student can access effective communication and exercise their right to a truly inclusive education.

During this episode, Jordyn shares:

  • What life was like before she could communicate by typing – and how it changed when she finally got access to effective communication technology at the age of 18
  • The poor treatment and substandard education she received in school, from people who denied her access to communication technology and refused to recognize her intelligence – and how her experiences fuel her advocacy for inclusive education
  • What was it like going to college away from home – and why she started a college cheerleading team that includes disabled and nondisabled students 
  • Her advocacy with the nonprofit organization CommunicationFIRST for people with communication disabilities
  • How she got the opportunity to be featured in the documentary "This Is Not About Me"
  • Her advice for nonspeakers and their allies 

To find out more about Jordyn and her work, visit her website at JordynZimmerman.com and connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Read the episode transcript.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Neurodivergence and Giftedness – with Emily Kircher-Morris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
After working as a gifted education teacher, Emily Kircher-Morris became a clinical mental health counselor who supports gifted and twice-exceptional (gifted + neurodivergent) children. She is also the host of The Neurod…
A nonspeaking autistic writer's advocacy – with Ben Breaux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:35
How do you get an education when you cannot speak, and the school system does not understand your abilities or support your needs? This was the experience of Ben Breaux, a 22-year-old nonspeaking autistic man with epilep…
Tourette's advocacy on TikTok – with Monica Nguyen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:44
Note: This episode contains occasional swearing (coprolalia). Monica Nguyen is a 20-year-old disability advocate who lives in Sydney, Australia. Monica began sharing her experiences online after facing a lot of discrimin…
Apraxia Story – with Tessa McEvoy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
Content warning: This episode mentions emotional abuse. Tessa McEvoy is autistic, has a speech disability called Oral Motor Apraxia, and was recently diagnosed bipolar. She talks about her experiences on her popular Face…
ADHD and the Black neurodivergent community – with Rickey Z [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Rickey Z is a Pre-K Special Education teacher who started her podcast management business in 2020. She is a co-host on Woe Nelly Media's "Geekin' Out" and is in partnership with ADHD + Black, an up-and-coming organizatio…
Disability representation in media – with Jeremy Andrew Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
Jeremy Andrew Davis is a screenwriter, film director, and consultant for disability representation in media. He describes himself as multi-disabled with several neurodivergencies as well as chronic illnesses. As a recogn…
Leaning into your ADHD strengths – with Dr. Lola Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
Dr. Lola Day is a multi-passionate busy mother of 3, a pediatric cardiologist, podcaster and ADHD trained life coach and productivity strategist for women. She is also the CEO and Founder of LollieTasking, a coaching and…
Tourette Syndrome representation in film - with Jack RH O'Sullivan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Jack RH O'Sullivan is an award-winning independent filmmaker and film director based in London. He is autistic, has Tourette Syndrome and OCD. He has directed ten short films including "Tourettes & I", a coming-of-age dr…