Spellers & Allies

advocacy network

we are stronger together

ADVOCAting TO make communication access a priority

Advocacy has proven, historically, to advance the rights of marginalized groups. Communication is a human right that is denied to nonspeakers. I-ASC is committed to advancing communication access for nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking people through training, education, research, and advocacy. Nonspeakers and Speakers working side by side make up the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network, which is the advocacy branch of I-ASC!

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our advocacy
campaigns

Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network works to increase public awareness about the issues that spellers face in schools, employment, health care, and the justice system. We will attain our goals by winning the hearts and minds of the general public and by convincing thought leaders, ally organizations, and policymakers to give us a seat at the table on all issues that affect us. We work to bring change for nonspeakers in each of these areas.

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working to create change

Join Spellers & Allies Advocacy network

Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network is led by nonspeakers collaborating with speaking peers. S&A Coordinators ensure all volunteers feel empowered to take on meaningful roles. Our meetings reflect our many different gifts and personalities that, when united, complement each other. Meetings incorporate small or large group brainstorming and discussion, instructional presentations from a group member or guest, clever meme-making, or introspective team-building activities. Sometimes we meet as small work teams in between regular large group meetings. We also gather for virtual dance parties or game nights to punctuate our advocacy endeavors.

become a member

For me, membership in Spellers & Allies has solidified my belief that YOU, ME, WE can unite to make the world a more accepting place for nonspeakers.

I am thankful to spellers & Allies for giving me an opportunity to make connections and advocate for nonspeakers.

Being in Spellers & Allies teaches me so much about being an S2C Practitioner who follows the directions of nonspeaking people.

To be a part of this group is a privilege and an honor. I love having this outlet to connect with like-minded individuals.

LIfe-changing! We've met so many wonderful people here and are so grateful to be a part of this incredible movement!

Being in such an incredible group is an amazing honor and I feel so glad about the work we are doing to help other nonspeakers.

Spellers & Allies Resources

Spellers & Allies provides resources and toolkits for the community to understand better how to support nonspeakers and become an ally. The organization’s culture code is based on respect and kindness, prioritizing trustful communication. New to S&A? You’ll find the orientation handbook provides an excellent guide to the organization’s mission, values, and goals.

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Host a presentation

I-ASC’s Spellers and Allies want to educate, inform and share their life experiences about the nonspeaking community with you. Our presentations are created by nonspeakers, spelling letter by letter on letterboards or keyboards. There are many misconceptions about nonspeakers our presentation addresses.

What does nonspeaking mean, who is nonspeaking, and how does it affect our lives?
Why can’t nonspeakers use their mouths to communicate? How do we communicate, and how did we learn to do it?
How are schools treating us?
What is the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network?
How can you help us?

The presentation is entirely online and lasts about an hour, including a Q&A session with nonspeaking members of the Spellers & Allies Advocacy Network. Let’s explore ways to work together to forge a message of universality and collaboration.

host a presentation

Spellers & Allies Events

Featured Member

Noah Seback

Spelling to you live from Atlanta, Georgia, is the one, the only Noah Seback.

A dedicated member of Spellers and Allies for 3+ years, he rarely misses a meeting, membership in a subcommittee, or the opportunity to crack a joke! Noah is, of course, passionate about all issues that impact the nonspeaking community. In particular, he has a heart for addressing the lived experience of trauma and body dysregulation shared by too many nonspeakers. With that in mind, he founded his mentoring business, qUirk, offering peer support to fellow nonspeaking autistics and their families. Currently, he also proudly serves as a member of I-ASC’s Nonspeaking Leadership Council. Find out more about what Noah is up to at quirkthrives.com.

tell the world

Show off in Spellers & Allies Merch. Buy, share, wear, or gift our message to increase awareness. With each purchase, you support the message of inclusivity for all nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking people globally.

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Have a question?
Just I-ASC us.

We aim to educate, inform, and correct misconceptions. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions about our group, nonspeakers, or joining our advocacy network. Additionally, we have members available to do a presentation in your community. Let us know your needs. If you have a general question about I-ASC that is not about advocacy, please use this contact form.

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(FO-MO – noun Slang. – the fear of missing out)

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