All Communication is Valid is inspired by my son Ollie. Ollie is autistic and non-speaking and uses many ways to communicate. He is learning to use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, but he currently prefers to lead me to what he wants. As an autism caregiver, I am engaged in many wonderful communities. Recently, though, I learned of an autism advocate disparaging a particular communication method that has had a profound impact on many individuals and their loved ones. There are already so many barriers for non-speaking people, and I felt compelled to affirm the many ways people communicate. Many of the communication methods I chose, such as eye rolls, leading, and happy squeals, are inspired by Ollie, and others are inspired by the people I have met in our community. My goal is to promote awareness and validate all means of communication for non-speaking people.
I created the poster in Adobe Illustrator, using hand-lettered speech bubbles made through a paper cut technique. I built each letterform by hand with paper and scissors before converting them into vector shapes, allowing the tactile process to echo the individuality and humanity behind each mode of communication. That intentional variation reflects the way my son Ollie, and many others in our community, express themselves in distinct but equally valid ways. While each phrase carries its own personality, I maintained a consistent visual language to create a cohesive composition. I wanted the work to feel bright and playful without becoming juvenile, so I avoided primary colors in favor of a more nuanced palette. The overall tone is intentionally cheerful and affirming, as I envision the poster living in schools, therapeutic spaces, non-profits, and day programs where positivity and inclusion matter deeply.
About the Artist
Sherry Freyermuth is a published, award-winning graphic designer with experience working for large corporate brands and non-profit initiatives. She currently is an Associate Professor and Program Director of Visual Arts at Clark University in Worcester, MA. Her book, Surviving the Creative Space: Teamwork Techniques for Designers was published by Bloomsbury in October 2022.
In 2024, Sherry published a picture book that promotes non-speaking communication. “Hello at the Farm” features common farm animals seen in typical picture books such as cows and ducks, but focuses on physical actions rather than sounds. The goal of this book is to have fun reading aloud, while also providing an inclusive experience for kids that don’t communicate verbally. Since then, she’s received two Mass Cultural Council grants to host inclusive programming in for kids in her hometown, and she’s done reading events for local non-profits including Community Autism Resources and the Arc of the South Shore. Sherry continues to find new ways to use her creative skills as a tool for advocacy.
