See Me Speak will give non-speakers a voice in New Jersey
casting a spell as never been so magical
On Saturday I had the privilege of joining my dear friend, Alexandra Ponsica, and her business partner, Natalie Vitone, as they celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Spelling to Communicate (S2C) clinic, See Me Speak, in Vernon, New Jersey.
As someone who constantly observes the reflections of tiny microcosms in the broader macrocosm, this little clinic gives me giant hope. This is so clearly a place where miracles will be cultivated… where families and communities will be transformed by communication and a deepening of understanding… which inevitably generates compassion and inspiration… which can fuel all of our efforts towards a a brighter future.
I also had my very first exchange with Noah Ponsica, a handsome eleven year-old boy who is leading the way for non-speakers with autism to find new expression. I’ve been following Noah and his twin brother, Caleb, on their “opening” journey, but experiencing this small interaction first-hand brought tears. And excitement.
I asked him how he felt about his mother’s new endeavor.
I am so proud, he spelled.
This was Noah’s first time spelling in front of a group like this. It was amazing to witness. And once I did, I had so many more questions… real, heartfelt questions for this complex and intelligent boy in front of me.
But it’s my turn for patience.
I’m learning that eye-contact isn’t the only contact. Speaking isn’t the only way to have a conversation. Hearts find a route if we keep them open.
For those who are not yet familiar, Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is an alternative means of communication for individuals with autism and other motor challenges. See Me Speak’s website describes it like this:
All forms of communication require motor. This method takes the fine motor out of speech and brings it to gross motor by teaching purposeful motor skills necessary to point to letters to spell. As motor skills improve through consistent practice, students progress from pointing to letters on letter boards to spell to typing on a keyboard. Communication moves from concrete to abstract as motor skills progress.
This is the method that was recently featured in the award-wining documentary, SPELLERS.
Celia Farber nails it when she describes this method as “a newly discovered miracle bridge between non verbal autistic children and adults, their parents, and the world.”
We’re about to hear from some of the most Underestimated people on the planet. And each new voice will be the product of love, patience, determination and commitment. That’s a powerful recipe.
As the t-shirt of one of the parents in attendance said, “Get on board.”
If you’re interested in learning more, visit the See Me Speak website here. And watch Alexandra’s interview here.
Congratulations, Alexandra, Nicole, Noah and Caleb! And thank you.
Beautiful!!!