Voices

Voices carry such power.
Words can be expressed in so many different tones-from sarcastic to angry to joking and more.
Those who are unable to communicate verbally are seen as "less than".
Most people don't even acknowledge that we have something to say.
I know that I am lucky to be able to communicate and express myself with the help of facilitated communication - using  an alphabet board and the steady hand of a friend,family or worker.
But many people who are "non-verbal" can't.
And people assume that they are unable to understand anything.
They get "talked at".
They get spoken to as children - regardless of their age.
When people don't know that I can communicate or if they do and still don't really understand I get spoken to like this too. Often.

Why can't / don't we just all agree a to treat and speak to everyone as though they have dignity.
Because we all do.

Voiceless.  Not Stupid. There's a Difference!