Isabella Santoyo is a 21-year-old autistic multimodal communicator from Long Beach, California. She uses AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to communicate. She is a California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities alumna and was awarded the Harry Servidio Memorial Leadership Award for her advocacy work. She recently met one of her life goals having graduated high school with a diploma. Isabella loves making memories with family and friends and traveling around the world.
Text-based AAC changed Isabella’s life after years of no reliable way to communicate nor access to age appropriate academics. She has made it her mission to advocate for access to a quality education for all students despite their differences. As a self-advocate and Youth Ambassador for CYVYC, she is committed to being an agent for change.