Senator Robert Casey                                                      
393 Russell Senate Office Building                                
Washington, D.C. 20510                                                

Dear Senator Casey:
We, the undersigned organizations, write in support of the Access to Free Speech for All (AFSFA) Act.  AFSFA builds research and training expertise to meet the needs of individuals whose disability impacts communication and their families.  
Communication is critical for people living with developmental and other disabilities to be fully included, participating members of their communities. This includes equitable access to education, health care and work force participation that lead to self-determination, independence, productivity, and a healthy and satisfying quality of life. Through our work and lived experience, our collation is aware that many people with disabilities continue to lack access to support, systems, training, and technology to achieve communication. The Access to Free Speech for All Act clearly addresses this critical need.  

The wholistic approach outlined in the AFASA will fundamentally transform our nation’s capacity to ensure all people have access to communication and thus their communities.  Critically, these efforts will be lead in a comprehensive partnership that includes people with disabilities and their families, as their expertise from lived experience is foundational to an effective effort.

We truly appreciate the efforts and leadership required to make the Access to Free Speech for All Act a reality and plan to do all we can to support the bill moving forward.

Sincerely,