As wonderfully amazing as Luke’s “awakening” has been, he is not alone.
There is a revolution happening across the US and Canada, and it is expanding across the world. Luke’s experience is not a one-off.
I reached out to the Spellers Community and asked other non-speakers to allow me to showcase them in this blog post. Here are just a few incredible spellers who have found their voice. And there are many, many, many more...
Damon is the first non-speaker/speller we met in Langley. He was open and speaking fluently through his iPad. He is the coolest, and he is an incredible artist. He gave us hope. https://unitedforcommunicationchoice.org/damon-kirsebom-when-people-see-me-typing/851/
Eric, Luke’s new friend in Calgary (we nicknamed him Eric the Red because he tastes colours—synesthesia—and red tastes the best!), and his awesome parents Mo and Wayne Herzog, have allowed us to share Eric’s YouTube channel. There are a few videos that include conversations with Luke. Eric has given Luke great advice, and continues to support Luke’s spelling journey. We visit / chat with them every time we are in Calgary.
Danny is an incredible advocate for Spellers! He is renowned in the community and he is articulate, honest, and inspiring. He also sells swag, tshirts, and stickers! Check out and support Danny through his store! We hope to meet him, as it’s Luke’s dream to visit San Diego one day.
Ben said “I am so excited to hear Luke is adding to the numbers of nonspeaking Spellers finding their voices!” Check out Ben’s Facebook page and how he spells to advocate. https://www.facebook.com/benbreauxautisticspeakshismind
Matthew’s mom shares his website… “This is wonderful to hear! My son Matthew has a blog: It's so awesome to hear so many new spellers finding their voice!!!! Way to go, Luke!”
Patrick, 14, is a non-speaker who communicates with a letter board. He lives in Australia and he loves to “spell, bushwalk, swim and move.” Patrick emailed/spelled: “I am really happy for Luke to share a link to my website.” https://www.thestoryspeller.com/
Vincent has an incredible blog as well. His posts are very interesting and enlightening—learn more directly from an autistic point of view. https://theunfilteredmindofvincent.wordpress.com/blog/
Gregory has a whole range of videos that can be found on YouTube. Gregory is an icon in the spelling community: a front-runner who has paved the way, and also has written many books!
Communication is a right. Communication through letter boards is making a tremendous difference in people’s lives. Together, let’s explore and study this opportunity, and see what we can do together to elevate Speller’s voices.
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