I can't speak. Here's how I get people to listen | Jessica Irwin
Summary
Jessica Irwin, a nonverbal photographer and author with cerebral palsy, shares her urgent message that being nonverbal does not imply a lack of intelligence. She highlights the critical failures in healthcare settings where patients are often ignored or subjected to unnecessary pain due to communication barriers. Irwin offers practical solutions, such as asking yes-or-no questions and using eye contact, to help others better engage with nonverbal individuals. Her talk serves as a sharp, humorous reminder to treat nonverbal people with the same respect and normalcy as anyone else.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Jessica Irwin and her nonverbal condition
The misconception of brain damage and intelligence
Sponsor: Apple Card
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Sponsor: Planet Visionaries
Jessica's talk: The struggle of expressing thoughts
The limitations of communication devices in emergencies
Hospital experiences and the inability to say stop
Simple communication techniques for healthcare settings
Involuntary muscle grip and the 'bear trap' hand
Tips for interacting with nonverbal individuals
Conclusion: Jessica's identity and call to action
Credits and production team
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Sponsor: Land Rover Defender
Sponsor: Capital One Spark Cash Plus
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