Spelling to Communicate
Spelling to Communication (S2C)
What is Spelling to Communicate (S2C)?
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a method that teaches people with sensory, movement and regulation differences (e.g. autism, Down syndrome, apraxia) the purposeful motor control to communicate by pointing to letters on a letterboard. With regular practice, individuals gain the ability to communicate anything on their minds because access to the 26 letters of the English alphabet offers infinite possibilities.
Learn More About S2C:
Who is a candidate for S2C?
If someone you know cannot share their thoughts, ideas and emotions, they are a candidate for S2C. S2C has expanded the communication possibilities for many children and youth (5-18) and adults (18-65+) who identify with or who have been labelled with:
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Angelman's syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Amongst other sensory-motor differences
What does it mean to be nonspeaking?
Nonspeaking: someone who does not or rarely speaks with words but may produce sounds.
Minimally speaking: someone who may be able to communicate deeper or more complex thoughts such as their emotional experience.
Unreliably speaking: someone who may say many words, such as phrases from a movie or the name of a restaurant, but unable to access speech as an intentional means of communication.
What Services do we provide?
Funding Options for S2C:
Funding opportunities and financial assistance are possible through I-ASC’s Spellers Access Fund, Ontario Autism Program or Passport Program through Developmental Services Ontario. Contact us for more information about these options.
Monica van Schaik – S2C Practitioner
I became a registered S2C Practitioner in 2018 after completing training with Elizabeth Vosseller. I have worked with a diverse range of nonspeaking people in S2C and previously as a tutor and caregiver. My journey supporting nonspeaking people began at age 6 when my family adopted my brother Andy, who has Down syndrome and is minimally speaking.
I am a co-founder and coordinator of the Spellers & Allies Advocacy Network (S&A) which is part of the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC). I love collaborating with nonspeaking people in S&A to find ways to make their vision of change a reality. I have been part of the Leadership Cadre of I-ASC since the organization’s inception in 2019. In this role ,I have empowered and uplifted the leadership of nonspeaking people, trained S2C Practitioners-in-Training in the principles of S2C and in clinical skills of S2C practice, and led webinars for the international non-speaking community.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Spelling to Communicate, please reach out for a free phone consultation with Monica. If you are ready to get started, we look forward to talking with you soon! monica@outoftheboxcounselling.
