Theresa Versaci, M.A. CCC-SLP/L

Theresa is a speech-language pathologist based out of the Chicagoland area who considers herself a disability advocate and ally. Theresa earned her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science and M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Theresa first became involved with the disability community because her sister has Down syndrome. Her love for her sister ignites her passion to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn to communicate their unique thoughts, ideas, wants, and needs. Theresa envisions a society comprised of self-advocates sharing their stories and community partners ready to listen, learn, and build acceptance. Theresa finds joy being able to contribute, even in a small way, to this vision. Her volunteer work has included projects with The Autism Program (TAP), GiGi’s Playhouse, and Best Buddies, as well as research contributions related to autism and Down syndrome with the department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois. She currently chairs the Advocacy and Policy Committee of S.I.B.S., whose mission is to build awareness around disability policy and advocacy topics and aid siblings in advocating for the changes they desire.