FOSTERING SUCCESS, LLC
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Advocacy.

Presume competence.

PictureReece & Me
That is the best lead-in to 'getting on board' with non- or minimal-speakers who spell or type-to-communicate. Let me explain. Reece Blankenship, from who I first heard the term 'presuming competence,' and I met when he was almost 3 and had just been diagnosed with autism. Fast forward to December 2014 when I see a video his mom posted on Facebook. I froze as I watched Reece (then 19 years old) spell out, letter-by-letter, his response to a picture of a boy drowning, "he is drowning in his own worst nightmare." At that moment, I jumped in eyes (and heart) wide open!

For two years I hosted Reece and four of his peers on campus as they tackled college-level courses like "Beyond Christian Intentions: Colonialism, Evangelism & reconciliation in Native American Communities" and physics. I led the students and their parents through a strategic planning and goal setting exercise, which led to my advocating for them to have access to higher education, which led to a whole host of other collaborations. In the midst of it all, Reece graciously and patiently taught me how to be a communication partner for him. Although I do not currently serve him in that capacity, I frequently bring visitors for a tour of ReClif, his fitness-based therapy center for autistics and their families! He is most definitely changing the conversation around autism.

I have also learned a tremendous amount about supporting spellers/typers from my friend, John McCarty. As the self-proclaimed president of his fan club, I have accompanied John and his communication partner, Joan, to a number of his presentations around Georgia. It has been a joy to see John progress to where he is now - a sought after presenter at conferences, schools, businesses, and churches. Recently I had the privilege of serving as one of his communication partners during his guardianship termination process. A highlight for me, second only to the times he has presented to the fourth graders at my daughter's school. 

​My time with the spellers and their families over the past five years leaves me with no doubt I am called to serve this most competent group of individuals. They continue to inspire me, challenge me, change me, and humble me like no one else and I am forever indebted to those precious few who showed up for our first 'pilot class.'

Who would benefit?

  • Spellers who have worked with a spelling coach and are ready to branch out to other communication partners
  • Spellers who are in need of a non-family communication partner for formal meetings (attending class, legal, IEPs, speller presentations, etc.)
  • Families who need in-home support with spelling integration 

What is included?

  • ​Evaluation session to determine compatibility
  • One-on-one practice sessions (includes progress summary and next steps for speller and family)
  • Lesson preparation on speller's topic(s) on interest
  • Advocacy with and for speller and family as needed
  • Communication partner services in formal settings as needed (attending class, legal, IEPs, speller presentations, etc.)

What is the cost?

I charge an hourly fee for my services that is dependent on travel required, the type of session (practice session vs. formal meeting), and the frequency of services provided. *Note - I do not accept insurance.

If you are interested, please reach out through the contact page and we can schedule a free consultation to determine how I can best serve you and your family!
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  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Upcoming Events
  • Training
  • Advocacy
  • Consulting