I am so excited it is September! September is the start of the school year for students. It is great to see students returning to the classroom.
I want you to know what school was like for me. I attended an autistic support program. I was presumed to be incompetent. I was given IQ tests that required verbal responses and fine motor coordination. As a nonspeaker with autism and apraxia, these methods were unfair and inaccurate. It resulted in my being taught far below my capabilities.
Imagine repeating kindergarten for fifteen years when you should be in advanced placement classes! I had to teach myself language arts, math, science, and social studies. I did this all by myself on the computer at home. Each year at school was an eternity.
Nonspeakers need to be able to communicate in school. Schools need to provide students with many more options. They need to be offered communication methods that are accessible and appropriate for their needs.
I believe that nonspeakers have so much ability. We are not being given a chance to express what we are capable of. This needs to change!
I want to see letterboards being used in schools. Spelling to Communicate is a method of communication that allows nonspeakers with motor challenges to express themselves by pointing to letters on a letterboard or keyboard. It is how many nonspeakers are able to share what they feel, think, and know.
Communication is a basic human right. It extends to students as well. Nonspeakers need better methods to communicate in school. Start the school year by supporting a nonspeaker with the tools to talk in a way that works for them!