Spelling to Communicate is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that teaches the speller the motor skills to point to letters to spell as a form of reliable communication. It is exciting to know that one day your child will have the ability to communicate beyond their wants and needs! Fluent or open communication using a letter board is the goal of S2C, however as with any new motor skill, it takes time and practice to build the skills necessary for fluency. This presentation will provide an overview of S2C, define fluency, and the do’s and don’ts of practice to ensure that you and your speller are successfully navigating your pathway towards that goal.
Speaker: Jonathan Perez and Melissa Stone
Jonathan Perez, better known by his less formal nickname “Johnny,” is a spelling to communicate practitioner at Transcending Apraxia in Oceanside, CA. He was introduced to the world of spelling in March 2020 by practitioner Dawnmarie Gaivin’s eldest son, Evan, who also doubles as Johnny’s best friend. He joined the Transcending Apraxia team in March 2021. An athlete all his life with a desire to help others, Johnny found himself working at a nutrition shop throughout college. During this time he would acquire an AA in Kinesiology followed by a BS in Speech-Language Pathology from Cal State University San Marcos.
Melissa Stone is a Mesa-based Spelling to Communicate practitioner and native Arizonan. She is also the founder of Body Brain Connection. She is passionate about seeing individuals with sensory motor differences access reliable communication. Most importantly, she a mother to 4 amazing children, one of whom is an unreliable speaker.
