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Elizabeth Bonker: “God gave you a voice.
Use them«
Photo: Rollins College
In her farewell speech, she didn't say a single word for six minutes.
Nevertheless, Elizabeth Bonker, who just graduated from Rollins College in the US state of Florida, is celebrated for her message – by her fellow students as well as worldwide on the internet.
Because Bonker is autistic and hasn't been able to speak since she was 15 months old, radio station NPR reports.
The video recording of her farewell speech, which was automatically recited by a female computer voice, is all the more moving and haunting.
“God gave you a voice.
Use them«, Bonker urges her classmates to stand up for humanity and to serve others.
And then adds: »No, I didn't miss the irony that a non-speaking autistic woman encourages you to use your voice.
Because if you can see value in me, then you can see value in everyone you meet.”
Elizabeth Bobker reports that she typed the speech letter by letter into a computer with a finger.
The fact that she is standing here and being able to give the speech is a joint achievement with her class and the whole school.
“I'm one of the few non-speaking autistic people who've been taught to type.
This one crucial step freed my mind from its silent cage,” says the graduate.
Like everyone else, you have the freedom to choose your own path.
"Personally, I've struggled all my life with not being heard or accepted," says Bonker, pointing to considerable resistance.
For example, the principal at her high school said, "The girl left behind can't be the valedictorian." Nevertheless, she is now at the lectern at this college graduation: "Every day I choose to celebrate small victories, and today I celebrate a big one with all of you Victory."
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Bonker announced that he wanted to fulfill a dream professionally: communication for everyone.
There are 31 million autistic non-speakers in the world locked in a silent cage.
“I will devote my life to freeing them from their suffering in silence and giving them a voice so they can choose their own path.” With the non-profit organization “communication 4 all” she founded, she wants barriers for autistic people Eliminate non-speakers in schools, among other places.
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