A Florida college valedictorian with nonspeaking autism has given a moving commencement speech to her fellow graduates, urging them to use their voices to serve others.
Rollins College student Elizabeth Bonker lost her ability to speak at 15 months of age, and is profoundly affected by autism. For her commencement address that was delivered to her graduating class of 529 students on May 8, she used text-to-speech computer software, typing independently with one finger as a communication partner held a keyboard.
Footage of the speech has since gone viral.
Rollins College student Elizabeth Bonker gives her commencement address on May 8. (Courtesy of Rollins College)
“I am one of the lucky few nonspeaking autistics who have been taught to type,” Elizabeth, who earned a degree in social innovation, told the gathered crowd. “That one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage, enabling me to communicate and to be educated, like my hero Helen Keller.”…