The greatest thing that ever happened to me was learning to spell to communicate, and the second most important thing that happened   to me was learning to spell without anyone touching my arm. I never thought that would happen, but then six months ago I began to work with the Spellers Method. I have learned to point at stencil cut out letters with several of my supports and with my dad. The goal is independent commincation, but right now I can only point at letters to repeat a word my support person tells me. 

For spellers I hold a stylus and am prompted with words in certain ways, to help open the connction between my brain and my nervous system. I dont get the reverse pressure on my arm that I get with facillitated communication. This was my first method of communication and it has been good.  I am glad I have both methods.  

I am learning to control my hand in painting too. That is really important to me. I want to be able to make decisions about the color and shape depending on how the painting is developing, not having to communicate in words first. It seems that it eventually might happen, depending on how much practice I get. 

I think that someday there will be an art school that is for non-speakers, even if I have to make it myself.  Uoilli* I think that people who talk are amost all terrible listeners. They dont make place in the conversations for a person who types. It  isn’t good to be silent when you need to express your thoughts.

I think that we need to find the way to take care of the people with movement regulation problems. We have the worst of all worlds,  we are smart people with even crazy bodies. We are dumb but not dumb. We just dont talk. Not speaking does not mean not thinking. I want to even wash the world of that idea, it is not true.  

I hope this helps you understand how my communication works. It is frustrating but it is far better than having no voice. I hope you will just give time and make space for the non-speakers in your life. I think they will surprise you with their competence. They give you hope. Love them. 

*”Truly”