Blog Re-Launch!

Welcome to The Speller Space! For the past four years, we’ve been working to build a program for non-speaking, minimally-speaking, and unreliably-speaking autistic individuals who use (or are learning to use) alternative forms of communication to express themselves through spelling. In that time, our program has grown into what Rose calls “a coalition of spellers” who are able to openly communicate and to advocate for themselves and their community. 

So now, we turn it over to them. 

Knowing that these spellers are the best advocates for themselves, and with complete trust in their ability to do so, we are taking a step back; encouraging them to take the lead, make the plans, and build the program they envision.

As Jack said, “This is the year we really get to live in the community we created. We can shape it to meet our needs and our goals.”  And we’ll be here in background - teaching new spellers the skills they need to communicate just as openly and supporting them all along the way.

Our goal has always been to help spellers build independence and to give them the means, skills, and space to self-advocate. We are excited for this new phase of that journey.

- “The Speller Space” Staff

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For the first post of the 2024-2025 year, our spellers had a conversation about the process of re-launching their program. From the new name to new goals and a new mission, read all they have to say about their plans and their vision.

Rose: Hi everyone and welcome to our new and improved blog. The name reflects who we are. The Speller Space. It is our name and our mission. This is a space for spellers to be themselves. This year we want to focus on our goal to have a community built by spellers for spellers. Thank you for listening to our words.

Maudey: The Speller Space really is perfect. I am so happy with that name. It is our space and our place to be at home and be ourselves. It is important to have a place where our minds are valued.

Joe: Yes truly. Too many places try to correct our minds. We are different from NT [neurotypical] people but not less than. With support and respect we can do and be anything.

Danny: My heart is happy seeing how much we have grown already. Happy to relaunch this adventure with you all.

Sam: Each day really listening to the words of non speakers is a gift. Here I see a space that allows us to connect. That is all I want. A space that is almost a home for non speakers.

Alex V: I feel that I am at home here. Speller Space is just right.

Rose: I really want this place to be like a speller hub. Somewhere we can come to be together and do what we need as individuals. We all have our own goals and needs. This space just needs to be here for us and to respond and support. Whatever that means for each of us.

Jack: That is the perfect description of the goal I have. I only want space and time and resources for spellers. For now for me that means helping me enroll and take my first college class. The big picture idea should be a space that is able to help and respond to each goal as we set them.

Maudey: Love that idea, Rosie. I also think this can be a connection spot for us. I don’t think the space needs a goal. We can all bring our own goals to it. For right now my only goals are to feel safe and supported and heard. 

Luke: All love for spellers everywhere. Believe connection is my main goal. Always want to meet more spelling people.

Christopher: Love the point you guys made about connecting with other spellers. That is really important to me. I feel like all spellers worldwide are our community and I want to meet as many of them as I can. 

Alex D: Always excited to talk goals. Advocacy is a big one for me. Happy to grow this blog to reach more people. I think having more spellers contribute would be a great way to get more people reading. I’d say we’re off to a great start. Love it here when it is crowded. Happy that we are growing. All or nothing when it comes to reaching your goals.

Joe: I love this vision for The Speller Space. That is what I want and need. I need a place and people that are my home base. That is how I see this place so I want it to always be home. Time is fast going so life is quick. So we need to love what matters. That is why this matters. That is why it matters less what we do here. The only thing that matters is a community of peers and allies who understand and support who we are. 

Alex D: Yes to Joey. What we do is less important than the group we do it with. That helps to shape our vision. 

Jack: I feel like friendship is the most important. Community is vital. I am ready to grow this community with you all. 

Maudey: I agree that community is the most important goal for spellers including typers too. I am happy that is what we get to build. 

Rose: The goal is community. That says it all.