Freedom Is…

Freedom is a new concept for me because I never experienced it until May of 2017. I could tell you how it feels, but you may not truly be able to understand unless you have lived it.

Freedom is… 

a poem by Gregory Tino

Freedom is here. My dreams have come true.
I can hardly believe after what I’ve been through.
It came as a board, which enables my thought.
So many blessings this method has brought.
I can tell you my dreams and my goals for my life.
I can tell you my hope for a sweet, loving wife.

I can author four books and write videos too.
I write poetry, even though none ever knew
that I could. It has been the most wonderful ride.
I am filled with contentment and beaming with pride.
I can ask for a drink. I can tell of my pain.
I can explain what is happening inside of my brain.
I can say what I want. Can express how I feel.
No one can tell me that this isn’t real. Freedom looks different from one to the next.
No one is greater or viewed as the best.
Some are so simple it can’t be ignored.
Freedom to me is my worn letterboard.

I am a proud member of the Spellers & Allies Advocacy Network (S&A). I believe the work our group is doing is very important. S&A is educating the public about nonspeakers and the obstacles we face on a daily basis. Please sign up for our newsletter and contact us for a presentation to learn about nonspeaking autism. All it takes is education to help others become free like me.