About me and this fundraiser
Hi there
My name is Becky. I am a qualified and experienced teacher - an autism specialist teacher in the Midlands, UK. I have taught autistic children in special schools and am an experienced teacher of non/minimally/unreliably speaking children and young people. I am lucky enough to have worked with so many wonderful children and young adults from this community.
I would like to take the next step in my journey supporting the non/ minimally and unreliably speaking community to access and engage in the structured programme from i-ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication) that will support and enable them to learn the motor skills and use the supports required to effectively communicate using letter boards and/or typing.
For more information on the i-ASC visit: i-ASC
What is Spelling 2 Communicate?
Spelling 2 Communicate empowers nonspeakers to overcome the communication barriers posed by oral communication by either pointing to letters on a board or typing to communicate. This method promotes synchronity between motor and cognitive systems. Through rigorous practice, new neural pathways are formed. By explicitly teaching the core and gross motor skills necessary to be able to point to letters on a letterboard placed in front of them, nonspeakers are able to improve motor planning and control which enables them to communicate their needs, thoughts and ideas to their families, educators and those around them.
S2C starts with presuming competency, and believing that all individuals have a desire and ability to learn to communicate regardless of any perceived limitations. Typing and spelling embraces a nonspeakers cognitive function and focuses on purposeful motor movements.
For more information and links to testimonials, research and videos of Spelling 2 Communicate in action visit the S2C website here.
Can't nonspeakers already access this programme?
Not in the Midlands. There are some trained practitioners in the UK but they are few and far between. I think that every nonspeaker deserves to be empowered and explicitly taught the skills they need to communicate and that it shouldn't be a postcode lottery.
As I have learned more about the extraordinary and lifechanging successes of this programme I have found it frustrating to say the least that it is not readily available to all of those who need it. I can't change it for everyone but I want to train as a practitioner so that I can offer this programme to as many people as I can.
Where can I find out more?
I can keep talking but that wouldn't really be in the spirit of S2C. I would recommend you watch the documentary Spellers which is available free and where you can hear directly from the nonspeaking individuals for whom this programme has been lifechanging.
What will the money be used for?
The money will fund the training costs for one person to become a Spelling 2 Communicate practitioner. Any additional funds over and above the £3000 will go towards funding an additional practitioner - this will allow us to increase our reach and support more nonspeaking individuals and their families.
This money will change lives and make a huge difference.
What's the dream?
The dream one day would be to build a safe space for this community where nonspeaking individuals and their families can learn to effectively communicate and where there are a wide range of accessible, fun learning opportunities. A positive place for nonspeaking people to socialise, where they are understood and supported.
With your help I can take the first step towards the dream.
Thank you,
Becky
