In this eye-opening episode of Conquering Your Clown Fish, host Brady Murray sits down with Stefanie, the fierce and unapologetic president and co-founder of Lily’s Voice, a nonprofit that’s challenging the broken system of assistive technology. Stefanie pulls no punches as she reveals the shocking obstacles families like hers face when trying to secure AAC devices for their non-speaking children, especially when these life-changing tools are often withheld due to financial or bureaucratic red tape.
Through the powerful lens of her daughter Lily’s journey—a vibrant, non-speaking autistic child who’s defying the odds and thriving—Stefanie passionately argues that the right to communicate is a fundamental human right, not a luxury. She exposes the uncomfortable truth about how society often fails to provide the necessary support for these children, and why organizations like Lily’s Voice are stepping in to fill a critical gap.
Stefanie doesn’t just talk about the struggle; she celebrates the victories, including the joy of watching Lily discover independence through customized AAC devices and her unexpected passion for ice skating. But it’s not all heartwarming stories—this conversation is an urgent call to action for better access to communication tools and a reminder that for too many families, the fight isn’t over.
Tune in to hear about the transformative power of AAC devices, the painful truth about accessibility, and the fight for equality that no one’s talking about.