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Some people with disabilities hailed Rep . Jennifer Wexton ’ s use of text-to-speech technology , but say there is work to be done to advance representation for those who communicate differently . ( CSPAN )
Her speech using a voice app made history in Congress — and sparked a larger disability conversation
By Sara Luterman
Rep . Jennifer Wexton made disability history by becoming the first member of Congress to deliver a speech using an augmentative and alternative communication device on the House floor . Wexton has a rare degenerative condition called progressive supranuclear palsy , or PSP . However , some in the disability community feel that the news coverage has missed the point , focusing on novelty without acknowledging Wexton ’ s actions in the deeper historical and social context of a world that is not built for people like them .
The speech was in support of a bill Wexton introduced to rename a post office in Purcellville , Virginia , after former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright , the first woman to hold the job .
“ The choice to use a text-to-speech device on the floor of the House of Representatives was a no-brainer for me . Despite my PSP condition which has impacted my ability to speak loudly and clearly , I want to keep doing my job and that means relying on this device to have my voice heard in Congress ,” Wexton told The 19th .
The 19th spoke with disabled people who use augmentative and alternative communication similar to Wexton ’ s about how they felt in this historic moment and about the surrounding news coverage . They expressed joy , frustration and hope for a better future .
Augmentative and alternative communication , or AAC , covers a wide range of practices , from temporarily writing out requests while recovering from surgery
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