Jon received his Bachelors degree in Psychology in May of 2003 from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and is working on his master's at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

Among Jon’s accomplishments is a camp for children and young adults who use communication devices called Authentic Voices of America. Jon founded and directs this weeklong residential camp for teenagers and young adults with communication devices. The camp combines fun activities with discussions about the issues that people with speech disabilities face in the real world.

Jon began his AAC journey with a PRC Liberator in April of 1998. Then he received one of the first Pathfinders in October of 2004. Jon ordered his Pathfinder before the device was released as a product and I believe he was the second person in the country to get one. Jon said, “The Pathfinder is the perfect communication device for me. I give about ten speeches a year and I use the Notebooks a lot. I can manipulate them so much better with the Pathfinder than I could with the Liberator.”

Jon is an AAC hero for many reasons but one that stands out in my mind is the fact that he has been a mentor for others who use AAC.  One way in which he inspires others is through his writing.  He has two books published and they are available in The Gallery at the AAC Institute web site.  We all need encouragers and Jon is certainly that to many AAC communicators.

As an AAC standout, Jon won the Free Speech Now Award given by one of his biggest heroes in this field, Bob Williams. Jon said in his 2003 Profile,  “It was an honor I will never forget.” The ‘Free Speech Now’ award was presented to Jon by the ACES program at Temple University in Philadelphia. Jon has also been the winner of the Jabez Award presented by the AAC Institute.  He also delivered the Edwin and Esther AAC Distinguished Lecture at the 2003 ASHA Convention.

Jon continues to encourage others. He says, “Life is full of good things. However, communication is key to a full participation in life. I encourage everyone to aspire to the most effective communication possible. For me that means Unity® on a Pathfinder.”

Jon has recently begun a new and exciting part of his life: His marriage to Sarah Faulkner on June 17, 2006.