Jordyn Zimmerman
About Jordyn
As a nonspeaking autistic educator and advocate who was denied access to effective augmentative communication until the age of 18 years old, Jordyn Zimmerman is passionate about leveraging tools and supports to drive change. She thrives on boldly showing up and challenging what is possible in learning spaces and throughout the broader community — and has personal experience challenging the status quo, which is featured in the 2021 documentary, This Is Not About Me.
Technology helped open Jordyn's world and she began advocating through a series of presentations. Jordyn has now keynoted and presented at conferences around the world, is a Program Strategy Manager at The Nora Project, and is an Apple Distinguished Educator. Jordyn is also Board Chair of CommunicationFIRST and is a two-time appointee on The United States Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
An avid advocate for all learners, Jordyn is passionate and determined to make a difference in the world of education — making sure everyone is able to access effective communication and exercise their right to a truly inclusive education. Jordyn earned her Bachelor's degree in Education Policy from Ohio University and her Master's of Education at Boston College.
What People Are Saying
"Jordyn informed and challenged the practice of over 1000 staff within our district. A year later and the teachers still come to me talking about her takeaways when constructing lessons and brainstorming ideas."
-High School Principal, Houston, TX
"THANK YOU for sharing your story with us today. You have made an impact on hundreds of teachers."
-Joy Kirr, IL
Educator and author
"Jordyn's keynote touched the hearts and minds of educators from all over the world. The powerful combination of visuals and clear writing made for a very compelling presentation. Jordyn's lessons are a must for all educators. We need people like Jordyn who can change the world!"
-Alan November, Marblehead, MA
International leader in education technology, author, and host of the Building Learning Communities Conference
"I can articulate the "why" better, thanks to Jordyn. Jordyn's openness in sharing her school experience without robust communication gave us the confidence to start high tech AAC with our daughter at age 2. A year later, it has changed our whole lives."
-Cass B., Mukilteo, WA
Parent
"I was a part of the NPS team that had the privilege of meeting with Jordyn. It left me with many things to think about and the inspiration to work harder for my students. Within five minutes, I already felt it was the best use of my professional development time in 15 years of teaching."
-Kathleen C., Newton, MA
TVI, Newton Public Schools
