What is Spelling to Communicate?
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Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a method of communication for individuals who cannot rely on speech—or other communication systems—to fully share their thoughts. Through S2C, learners build the purposeful motor skills needed to point to letters and spell out their wants, needs, and ideas.
26 letters = limitless possibilities! #PresumeCompetence
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.
Not sure if S2C is the right fit for your loved one? Explore the podcasts, links, and videos below to get a better sense of how it works and what it can look like in practice.
If you’d like to learn more or look at scheduling options, simply fill out our contact form and we’ll reach out to you for a free phone consultation.
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 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
Taryn became an S2C Practitioner in May 2025. She is dedicated to empowering Spellers through purposeful activities, fostering communication & supporting their journey toward a fulfilling life. Her background as a Recreation Therapist prepares her to increase autonomy through regulation & fun!
Kayley Keller
S2C Practitioner
Kayley became an S2C 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.
Please check out the podcast below to learn more about the S2C process:
On Apple Podcasts & Spotify
VIDEOS OF SPELLERS OPENLY COMMUNICATING AT BEYOND SPEECH:
(after a ton of practice and therapy sessions dedicated to spelling):
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)
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