Otto Lana
My name is Otto Lana. I live in La Jolla, a seaside community of San Diego, California. I am an eighteen-year-old high school senior enrolled in honors courses. I feel compelled to tell you my course load because this is unusual and should not be. I have autism and am non-speaking. I am a motivational speaker and a self advocate. I want my experiences to set the expectations for the next generation of disabled individuals, especially those with speech related disabilities.
Bella Santoyo
Hello. I am Isabella Santoyo. I am an almost 21-year-old limited speaking autistic who has not given up on earning a high school diploma. Text based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) changed my life after years of no access to age appropriate academics. I have made it my mission to advocate for access to a quality education for all students despite their differences. As a self-advocate I am committed to being an agent for change.
William Del Rosario
My name is William Del Rosario. I am a 22-year-old non-speaking adult learner with autism and reside in Orange, California. I type to communicate and am currently working towards earning my high school diploma one letter at a time. While my communication and learning differences do not define me, they have been used against me when determining the support services I receive. I’m a self-advocate and hope that you will join me in seeking working solutions.