What is Spelling to Communicate?
Embedded Files
Our office is proud to offer S2C services to the greater Akron area! Our team includes S2C Practitioners with diverse backgrounds, including master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy, as well as other skilled professionals trained in S2C. This combination of expertise allows us to provide comprehensive support for our clients' communication goals.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is an alternative form of communication for individuals who cannot rely on their speech to express their thoughts. It teaches individuals the purposeful motor skills necessary to point to letters to spell their wants, needs, and ideas. Not sure if this is the right fit for your child? Please be sure to check the podcasts, links & videos below to learn more about S2C.
We also offer free phone consultations to discuss how S2C differs from traditional therapy approaches. When we target the root of the communication difficulty, we see progress! Please feel free to call or text us at 330-299-5121 to chat.
It's important to remember that being non-speaking doesn't mean a person isn't thinking. Many families initially have doubts about whether their child will succeed with Spelling to Communicate (S2C) because they aren't sure if their child understands what’s said around them or if they know how to spell. With time and plenty of practice, families realize that their child understands far more than they thought and has a wealth of knowledge from environmental exposure. Just because someone isn’t speaking doesn’t mean they aren’t listening—they’re constantly taking in information, even if it seems like they aren’t paying attention. Unfortunately, many non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals have been misdiagnosed with severe language disorders or cognitive disabilities based on unreliable test results. We believe that your child is “in there,” and we’re here to support your communication goals. Feel free to reach out with any questions— we’re always happy to chat!
Call/text: 330-299-5121
Our S2C Team
Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Certified S2C Practitioner
Founder of Beyond Speech
Sam became a certified Spelling to Communicate Practitioner through I-ASC in August 2021. She is thrilled to be one of the first Spelling to Communicate Practitioners in Ohio. Supporting communication in non-speaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals is her greatest passion.
Emma Fiorita, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Certified S2C Practitioner
Emma became a certified S2C Practitioner through I-ASC in August 2023. She could not be more excited to use her expertise in motor-planning to help give a voice to non-speakers and support their autonomy throughout their daily activities!
Taryn Cook, MS, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
S2C Practitioner-in-Training
Taryn began her S2C training in October 2024 and is excited to become a certified practitioner in May 2025. Taryn is dedicated to empowering Spellers through purposeful activities, fostering communication, and supporting their journey toward independence and a fulfilling life.
Kayley Keller
S2C Practitioner-in-Training
Kayley began her S2C training in October 2024 and is excited to become a certified practitioner in May 2025. Kayley Keller is a passionate advocate for non-speakers, inspired by her brother’s success with S2C, and is dedicated to empowering individuals to find their voice and fostering inclusion through communication.
UNDERSTANDING APRAXIA AND HOW IT AFFECTS COMMUNICATION - LISTEN BELOW (also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify)
HOW SPELLING AND LETTERBOARDS CAN UNLOCK COMMUNICATION - LISTEN BELOW (also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify)
VIDEOS OF SPELLERS OPENLY COMMUNICATING AT BEYOND SPEECH:
(after a ton of practice and therapy sessions dedicated to spelling out thoughts)
The International Association for Spelling as Communication:
Resources/Information: Spelling to Communicate | S2C | I-ASC
Overview of S2C: Spelling to Communicate - Growing Kids Therapy Center - YouTube
Frequently asked questions about S2C: FAQs – Growing Kids Therapy Center
SPELLERS DOCUMENTARY:
Free on YouTube, showing the communication journey of 8 individuals learning to spell their thoughts:
https://youtu.be/8h1rcLyznK0?si=1SxE5Rhd_UcEiGD5
Informational Videos/Interviews/Articles:
Overview of S2C: Spelling to Communicate - Growing Kids Therapy Center - YouTube
Interview with JB Handley (His son learned Spelling to Communicate) Underestimated: An Autism Miracle with JB and Jamie Handley - YouTube
Link to purchase the book “Underestimated” (highly recommended by many of our spelling families): Underestimated: An Autism Miracle (Children’s Health Defense): Handley, J. B., Handley, Jamison: 9781510766365: Amazon.com: Books
Video of speller, Gregory Tino, using letterboards to share his message: Gregory Tino on S2C or Spelling to Communicate - YouTube
Video of an unreliable speaker using S2C to explain how his speech does not represent his true thoughts: https://fb.watch/ip9uVfITyH/
Non-speaker (types to communicate) presents at the American Speech, Language, & Hearing Association's Annual Conference 2022: SLPs as AAC Gatekeepers | CommunicationFIRST
RESEARCH TO SUPPORT SPELLED COMMUNICATION:
Anecdotal Evidence from families & professionals: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles supporting spelling methodologies that lead to typing can be found here:
UCC-Supportive-Research-Compilation-Version-6-012221.pdf (unitedforcommunicationchoice.org)
Report abuse