Anastasia Wilson

Anastasia Wilson is a staff member at the Wisconsin LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program, a graduate-level initiative that prepares professionals and advocates to improve services for children with disabilities. She was the first AAC user to fully participate in the program and now works as a peer mentor supporting self-advocate trainees.

A cum laude graduate of UW–Whitewater with a degree in Art and a minor in English, she is also a Wisconsin-based artist who creates oil paintings using a headstick. Her art is both a creative outlet and a powerful form of communication.

Born with cerebral palsy due to a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen at birth, she has used AAC throughout her life. She drives a power wheelchair using her head and communicates using an Accent 1400 with eye gaze technology. Her lived experience informs her work as a mentor, advocate, and leader.

During her time as a LEND trainee, she shared her transition-to-adulthood story and mentored children who use AAC. Simply engaging them in conversation often inspired increased communication and gave families hope. This experience revealed her passion for supporting youth and raising expectations.

Today, she lives independently with a roommate and continues to advocate for inclusive communities. Her creativity, perseverance, and leadership demonstrate the power of communication access and the importance of centering the voices of people with disabilities.

Disclosures:

Financial:
Anastasia Wilson has no financial disclosures to report.

Nonfinancial:
Anastasia Wilson has no nonfinancial disclosures to report.