Proving That Anything is Possible:
Insights from a Conversation with Shane Alvado
Shane is a minimally speaking speller who made the transition from the ATL community to Tampa, Florida. He received this nomination in the “Dauntless” category because of his noted resilience and adaptability during this challenging relocation, in the middle of a pandemic, no less! He and his communication partner/S2C practitioner, Evelyn Moldal, were kind enough to meet with me during their session hour and to respond to our interview questions. Here’s what he had to say!
~Bryana Williams
You were nominated in the category of “dauntless”-how do you feel about that description?
NOTHING MAKES ME MORE PROUD. I’M LIVING PROOF THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. SPELLING TO COMMUNICATE HAS OPENED SO MANY DOORS FOR ME THAN I EVER THOUGHT WAS POSSIBLE. TRYING TO NOT MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT IS HARD. TO MAKE MY THOUGHTS AND DESIRES KNOWN IS LIFE-CHANGING. WE REALLY HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN FROM NONSPEAKERS.
That actually leads us right into my next question: what misconception about nonspeakers do you want to correct?
YOU’LL NEVER KNOW US BY JUST LOOKING AT OUR BODY LANGUAGE.
Perfectly said-we can never reiterate the idea that “insides don’t match outsides” enough! It so often leads to nonspeakers being underrecognized. What do you think is the biggest contribution spellers bring to the world?
WE HAVE AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO MAKE CONNECTIONS. WE’RE SKILLED IN THIS. WE CAN CONNECT PEOPLE TO ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT THEM EVER REALIZING WE MADE IT HAPPEN. SWEET RELATIONSHIPS HAVE FORMED FROM OUR INTERVENTIONS.
What is bringing you life and joy these days? Tell us about it.
LIFE HAS CHANGED SO MUCH SINCE WE MOVED TO FLORIDA. FRIENDSHIPS THAT HAVE BECOME SIMPLY THE BEST PARTS OF MY LIFE. DOING THINGS TOGETHER THIS YEAR HAS PRESENTED ME WITH A WORLD THAT KEEPS GIVING MEANING TO MY LIFE.
I love that! I know you also recently started attending Invictus. What has that been like?
I’VE REALLY ENJOYED THE TRANSITION TO FLORIDA. THIS HAS BEEN THE GREATEST THING WE’VE DONE. SO MANY TIMES I HAVE SEEN WHAT INCLUSION LOOKS LIKE IN TV SHOWS AND IN MY DREAMS. THE COOLEST AND BEST PART OF OUR MOVE IS TBLC, YOU HAVE TO COME TO HANG OUT WITH US SOMETIME SOON.
I will gladly take you up on the invitation, it’s been on my bucket list for a while!
I just have a couple more questions for you: How do you feel you can give back to the spellerverse?
THE REALITY IS THAT IN THIS WORLD WE RELY ON EACH OTHER TO EXPERIENCE LOVE AND SUCCESS. WE GIVE BACK TO THE SPELLERVERSE AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
Your theme of community and connection continues to run through your responses-I think I’m going to have to frame that first sentence! Final question before we end-we’ve talked a lot about nonspeakers in general, but what is something you want others to know about you?
I WANT OTHERS TO KNOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT I AM INTELLIGENT, THAT I SHARE THE SAME QUALITIES OF EMPATHY, LOVE, AND SELFLESSNESS AS NEUROTYPICALS. THE MOST IMPORTANT TO ME IS THE RELATIONSHIP PIECE. SO MANY PEOPLE MAKE THE INACCURATE ASSUMPTION THAT WE DON’T FORM FRIENDSHIPS-QUITE THE OPPOSITE. WE’RE CAPABLE OF THE MOST DEEP AND LOVING RELATIONSHIPS ON THIS PLANET.
Be sure to check out Shane’s SpellX Presentation.
The mission of I-ASC is to advance communication access for nonspeaking individuals globally through training, education, advocacy and research. I-ASC supports all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with a focus on methods of spelling and typing. I-ASC currently offers Practitioner training in Spelling to Communicate (S2C)with the hope that other methods of AAC using spelling or typing will join our association
Dear Shane
Congratulations, Dauntless! You are such a shining example of the special qualities of intelligence and empathy of Spellers.
This was such a very helpful article to family members of spellers. Thank you.
❤️🙏Nona (Quincy’s grandmother)
Spellbound! My son is twenty and just has started typing on a laptop. These stories of amazing spellers create an universe of possibilities and hope. More power to you.
We call it The “Spellerverse” So glad you enjoyed.
Hi Shane,
The Serowitz family is so proud of you! What a great presentation and award. We love your interview and how you spoke so confidently and with great pride for your achievements and growth this past year.
Keep up the hard work and positive spirit!
Marc Stephanie and Andy ❤️