My name is Sinhi Dhodi, and for the past 30 days, I have been researching, advocating for, spreading awareness about, and even simulating the experiences of non speaking, or more commonly known as mute people. This project, while extremely challenging, has been filled with lessons about communication, inclusion, and the barriers faced by non speaking individuals.

For 30 days, I relied exclusively on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC, some examples include ASL, text-to-speech app, mouthing, and more) to better understand the daily challenges non-speaking individuals face. I hosted weekly ASL workshops at my school, created informational pamphlets, conducted interviews with AAC users and specialists, and even created a website dedicated to my project.

One of the most striking facts I discovered through an interview with someone I connected with via USSAAC is that the unemployment rate for non-speaking individuals is extremely high, around 95%. This isn’t due to a lack of capability, but rather misconceptions about the competence of such individuals and barriers in workplaces and educational settings. This made me determined to spread awareness and correct the stereotypes and biases perpetuated by our society, which leads me to how YOU can play a role.

This GoFundMe is dedicated to supporting USSAAC, (United States Society for Augmented and Alternative Communication). This organization works to break down barriers, promote inclusion, and advocate for the rights of non speaking individuals. USSAAC hosts various webinars regarding the issue, pioneer research in the field with their many members published articles, and work with other organizations to develop products to further benefit AAC users. Your support will not only help USSAAC but also help give a voice to those who don’t have one. Any help is appreciated, big or small. We can all make a difference!