Communicators for Communication Rights (C4CR)

C4CR is a growing coalition advancing the belief that communication is a human right—for nonspeakers and for everyone who needs support to be heard.

Communication is a Human Right.

We are a growing coalition of families, advocates, and allies working to ensure every person—especially nonspeakers and unreliable speakers—has access to the tools, training, and presumption of competence required to be heard.

  • Seed Framework for Federal Guidance
  • Corporate & ERG Partnerships
  • Family & Advocate Network

About C4CR

Communicators for Communication Rights (C4CR) exists to advance a simple idea: when we presume competence and provide access to communication, people flourish. The initiative was inspired in part byStone Kaufer, a nonspeaking autistic young adult who found his voice through Spelling to Communicate (S2C). His story is one among many—and a preview of what becomes possible at scale.

What We Do

  • Share lived-experience stories that shift assumptions.
  • Equip organizations with practical inclusion frameworks.
  • Convene partners to advance communication rights policy.

Our Approach

We operate as an initiative-in-motion—co-creating with families, educators, clinicians, ERGs, and policymakers. We meet people where they are, translate evidence and experience into plain language, and focus on actions that travel across cultures and regions.

Current Focus

  • Briefings and panels for corporate ERGs and leadership teams.
  • Seed framework for national guidance, modeled on New York State’s action.
  • Story library and creative artifacts that humanize the mission.

Stories in Motion

Moments from our community demonstrate the power of access, support, and joyful communication.

 

Stone Kaufer on the beach at Coos Bay, OR.
Stone Kaufer on the beach at Coos Bay, OR.
Stone and his dad, David Kaufer, share a rink-side moment after practice—family partnership in action.
Stone and his dad, David Kaufer, share a rink-side moment after practice—family partnership in action.

Mission & Goals

  • Inspire— Share powerful stories that reset expectations.
  • Educate— Explain motor planning, apraxia, and access in plain language.
  • Equip— Provide a flexible framework organizations can apply now.
  • Amplify— Build a coalition to scale what works.

Seed Framework (Overview)

High‑level planks we’re workshopping with partners:

  • Presumption of Competence & communication access in education, healthcare, and employment.
  • Training for supporters/partners (teachers, aides, caregivers, employers).
  • Equity & access funding; technology and accommodations.
  • Measurement & accountability that center lived experience.

Request the working brief to explore federal alignment opportunities.

Why It Matters

Too many nonspeakers are written off as incapable. When we remove barriers and presume competence, we unlock education, work, and community participation. This is not a niche accommodation—it’s a civil rights imperative.

Common Barriers

  • Low expectations; lack of presumption of competence.
  • Limited access to communication tools and trained partners.
  • Systems designed around speech, not communication.

Unlocking Potential

  • Evidence‑informed supports for motor planning & regulation.
  • Access to robust communication and literacy.
  • Inclusive policies that travel across regions and cultures.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a policymaker, ERG leader, educator, clinician, or family member—there’s a role for you.

  • Policy & Research: Explore the seed framework and help shape federal guidance.
  • Organizations & ERGs: Host a session or panel; apply the inclusion playbook.
  • Families & Advocates: Contribute stories and join the coalition list.

Speaking & Sessions

  • 30–45 minute talk with Q&A: lived experience + practical framework.
  • Custom panels for global teams and cross‑ERG events.
  • Hybrid/virtual formats supported; captions encouraged.

Request a sample run‑of‑show and media packet.

Contact

Prefer email?info@Comm4CommRights.org