EVERY VOICE MATTERS
Communication and Regulation Support
Individuals who cannot reliably communicate using speech are often misunderstood and misrepresented as being cognitively impaired and significantly delayed. What we have come to learn is that these individuals are actually quite capable when fully understood and when given the appropriate tools and support they need to regulate, learn, engage, and, ultimately, communicate.
Who could benefit from alternative communication support?
Do you have or know a child or adult who has difficulty expressing themselves? Have you tried different therapies, devices, or approaches to help your child find a meaningful way to communicate? Do you notice your child uses certain words, phrases or scripts in an effort to communicate their needs or feelings? Perhaps they script about the dentist when they are anxious? Or maybe they aren’t able to use speech at all to communicate, but you notice certain patterns or “behaviors” they use in an effort to communicate how they are feeling? Have you ever felt like there is more depth to your child than you are able to access? If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, then we encourage you to reach out to a local practitioners to explore if your child would benefit from alternative communication support. "Alternative communication support" refers to the use of various methods or tools to help individuals develop the skills to communicate in different ways.
What does nonspeaking mean?
"Non Speaking" encompasses anyone who has difficulty using speech to reliably communicate needs, wants and their deeper more authentic thoughts. They may use little to no speech at all, minimal speech to say words or phrases or they may use speech reliably at times, but not consistently or organically about a variety of topics.
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Why do we presume competence?
Individuals with sensory-motor and movement differences are often unable to reliably communicate and demonstrate what they know. They may experience impulsivity, have difficulty sustaining attention, and have trouble reliably using their bodies to articulate and show others what they know, what they are learning and who they truly are. We have seen incredible changes in attention, confidence, behavior and mood just by shifting how we speak to, interact with and educate these individuals. We have seen when these individuals have access to the communication tools that work well for them, along with the support they need to access these tools, they flourish.
Alternative Communication Methods
Why do we use alternative communication methods based on spelling?
Alternative communication methods that utilize spelling or typing look at ways to access reliable and fluid communication using different tools such as stencil boards, laminate boards or keyboards. The focus is on developing gross and fine motor skills so the individual can point to letters to communicate through spelling. By using educational lessons, based on age appropriate content, the student is exposed to novel and interesting information while learning how to utilize the different tools to communicate through spelling. These tools are also used to support education and provide individuals to demonstrate what they know and understand.​
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What are the methods used?
There are a number of approaches, devices and methods used with non speaking individuals. And while each method may vary from the other, the end goal is always to find a mode of output with a means to communicate. These methods include, but are not limited to Spelling to Communicate (S2C), Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) and Supported Typing (formerly known as FC).
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How can I find out more information?
If you are curious and looking for more information you can head over to our RESOURCES page to find additional videos, books and blogs! You can also reach out to everyvoicemattersatl@gmail.com to connect with a local practitioner who can answer your questions and support you and your child as you learn.
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