Presume competence.
Reece & 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.'
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?
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What is included?
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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! |
