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PT I-ASC has declared September as SPELLTEMBER. A month to recognize and spellebrate the hardest working people we know, nonspeaking people who spell and type! We put out a call for nominations and were so delighted to receive nominations for spellers across the globe. Some spellers nominated themselves, and others were nominated by friends, family, and community members. The nominations are an incredible commendation to these spellers and typers who are making an impact on their community. A spellebration of all of the nominees and a well deserved shoutout to them in the form of Spellebrity Trading Cards.
I-ASC’s Nonspeaking Leadership Council read the nominations, with names redacted to eliminate bias, and chose 5 spellers from each category to spotlight as ALL STARS. We will be featuring the All Stars in blogs so you can get to know these remarkable individuals.
One Speller was nominated multiple times and demonstrates qualities in each of the nomination categories. That speller is Danny Whitty and he is the I-ASC Four Star Spellebrity.
Danny Whitty
Danny crafts poetry that is moving, funny and sometimes requires some deep soul searching. He is passionate about social justice. He expresses thoughts on current events in a way that is persuasive and beautiful. He is determined to growing as a speller, advocate for nonspeaking people.
We analyzed the nominations and found four recurring themes amongst the nominations, so we came up with four categories. Congratulations to the 2020 Spellebrities!
At I-ASC, we believe that any nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking person who works hard to develop purposeful motor skills in order to communicate is a STAR! We love to see the growing constellation of shining stars in the Spellverse. We take great pride in shining a light on these amazing individuals whose talent, strength, and perseverance are beacons of hope and joy.
Spellers were nominated for dedication, determination, big gains in motor control/skills, and steadfastness.
Michael Neff
Described as “the hardest working guy I know,” Micheal defines tenacity. “It took me a long time to learn how to use the letterboard, but I'm getting really good at it. I have lots I want to say, and I'm just getting started. Watch out!”
Mikey C
Mikey is incredibly smart and social. He is a groovy dancer, loving all music and it is a joy to watch his body move to music. Michael has tremendous stamina, grit and perseverance to stay in the game and work his body to do what he needs.
Gabriel R
People would describe Gabriel as caring, loving, compassionate and a really happy person. He loves singing in the classroom. He works hard to better himself with spelling and purposeful motor. Friends say he is incredibly kind.
Elliot Sylvester
A proud golfer who’s battle between brain and body never quits. Youthful, witty and playful. “Underneath this incessant scripting is a mind full of intelligent thoughts trying to find a way out my mouth. Oy, the frustration before the letterboard!”
Stephanie
Stephanie’s been spelling for a year and now accesses general education online. Spelling lets her share frustrations. She’s a good swimmer and is learning piano. She’s proud she learned S2C.
Keegan M
Keagan is one of the happiest and hardest working kids! He’s only 7 but has been practicing S2C for two years and he’s making incredible progress. His motor control, stamina, and accuracy have kicked into overdrive.
Sterling Sessions
Sterling’s proudest of his resilience and friends admire him for this quality. He’s happy, friendly, and kind of shy. Sterling is undeterred in his commitment to his goals. “I have not given up my faith through everything.”
Cian
Working hard to gain motor control for open communication. “I especially am happy with my progress on the letter boards, it's so challenging being able to really say what's been on my mind. I envision getting lots of opportunities in the near future.”
Zach
He has flourished on the boards. “I am now able to communicate with my family so they can better understand my thoughts, opinions, and struggles.” He was flexible during the pandemic, teaching Mom how to work with him.
DJ Creevy
DJ is one of the hardest workers around. After dedicated practice and tenacity, his communication is emerging. People admire his happy outlook and hard work. He loves music and has begun singing. Among DJ’s favorite pastimes are swimming and walking on the beach.
Spellers nominated as community builders and connectors for expanding the benefits of spelling/typing.
Joel N
“I am proud to use a letterboard to communicate,” in front of 50 people, Joel spelled to advocate that nonspeaking need to be recognized as intelligent human beings. He is persistent. His words and actions remind others to be kind and useful.
Deepak George
Deepak was the first Speller in South Africa. His dedication and effort has paved the way for so many others. He’s known as a community builder and friend. “My ability to spell” is Deepak’s proudest achievement. “I'm energetic, nice and always listening.”
Brian Foti
Brian dreamed of an adult spelling community in Philly and brought it to fruition. He’s an advocate for nonspeakers, giving several presentations. He is proudest of his community and circle of support. Brian says he’s a goofy person with an open heart.
Marcus Bolande
Marcus lives far from other spellers, yet he blazed the trails in two different countries, Myanmar and Philippines. “a wise and observant young music lover, who always tries to overcome things. I am athletic and artistic, although my hands are unreliable.”
Akha
An advocate for nonspeakers that have not yet found their voices. He was the first South African speller to start an advocate blog for communication. He values friends, education, and being able to express himself and wants the same for other nonspeaking kids.
Jacob
“My family would describe me as smart, stubborn and determined.” He does yoga and zumba online. He is making t-shirts with slogans so that people will understand that he and people like him have intact brains even though they don’t speak.
Leonardo Santana
People describe Leo as sweet and smart. He can understand and spell four languages: English, Spanish, Afriikan and Xhosa. Leo is helping bring S2C to South America. He’s proud of his sense of humor and ability with numbers.
Trevor Green
“Some might say I’m a laugh a minute. My great friends would say I’m thoughtful. I am always trying to grow and become a better singer, pianist, speller, and person.” He exemplifies a great friend and when I'm with him I feel good.
Spellers are nominated for their leadership, activism, self-championing, and change-making.
Brent Sullivan
Known for his crocheted blankets, Brent has navigated life, and especially the pandemic, like a champ. Helped build a permaculture garden, an outdoor pizza oven, and is planting a fruit orchard. Brent has also purchased his own tiny home, a yurt!
Chandima Rajapatirana
Chandima is most proud of his work enabling other nonspeakers to find their voice. A poet and the author of "Traveler's Tales: My Journey with Autism" which was shortlisted for a Gratiean Sri Lanka's most prestigious award for English writers in Sri Lanka.
Anna Napolitano
Fierce, smart, and enthusiastic about advocacy. She says yes to new opportunities and is courageous in collaborating and engaging to ensure goals are accomplished. “I am most proud of overcoming barriers to getting a real education and going to college.”
Zekwande Mathenjwa
Zekwande is passionate about advocating for other nonspeakers. He says this is his life’s purpose. Described as happy and cheeky, his words are motivating and inspiring. He’s most proud he “overcame the odds of not being able to communicate.”
Joshua G
Joshua is a prolific poet and advocate. He loves going to the poetry nights and hearing his poems. He’s described as truly kind and loving. He enjoys new adventures and loves trees, the mountains, the ocean, going on hikes, surfing and horseback riding.
Nico Segrera
Family says Nic is a resilient, loving, super smart person. Nico says, “ I am super sarcastic, love life the way it is, possibly the luckiest human. For the record, the love for life was enhanced when I found a way to share my thoughts with my loved ones.”
Alexis
“This life of mine is filled to the top with a million little things that might go unnoticed by others. I love math because I see patterns all around me easily. I’m a little noisy but I am always listening.” She started her own YouTube channel, Alexis’s Voice.
Damon Kirseborn
Talented with his words, passionate; conveying emotion and insight while inviting compassion and understanding from others. Presumes competence in his motor and learning processes. “I greatly connect with others. I play hockey, and have a good sense of humor.”
Jordyn Pallett
Jordyn is known for his insightful blogs in Jordyn’s Rocky Journey. He works to explain his feelings and challenges to improve understanding. He’s described as loving, hilarious, and giving. “I give of myself with no expectation of return of kindness.”
Benjamin Newport Breaux
“I am very proud to be an autistic who uses the letterboard to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for myself and others with disabilities.” Ben has earned a reputation as a leader and an activist. “I love math, music, and cheese.”
Ethan N
“Mighty E,” says “loving yourself needs to happen before S2C gets you ready to be heard. Mind and motor only merge in loving spaces.” Ethan doesn't let hardship deter him, “my too impulsive body needs love from outside and inside. Spelling is an act of self love.”
Spellers are nominated for their compassion, friendship, philanthropy, and generosity of spirit.
Arun Chand
A brilliant mind who has jumped through hurdles of being underestimated. He’s “proud because I have special skills. I am great in math and I love science.” Arun is happy and lives to the fullest. “I love hockey and swimming. I love to travel especially to Hawaii.”
Matthew McGrath
A great friend and inspiration. He says people see him as silly but “I give them a lot of material!” He’s also “incredibly brave and strong.” He’s proud of his resilience and says, “I was chosen to be in the world to carry out a mission of love and forgiveness.”
Caoimh Connolly
“I am proud of myself for the things I can do even with a body that does whatever it wants! I am autistic but I am also a genius.” Caoimh is dedicated to building a spelling community in Ireland. He’s described as “lots of fun and a great guy.”
Tommi Edgar
Tommi was among the first New Zealand spellers. He is described as “Sunshine” and “incredibly patient.” Motor challenges have not deterred him. He has worked so hard to get where he is today on the letterboards. When not spelling, Tommi can be found swimming.
Colin Stein
Colin created a poem that he’s directing an artist to illustrate. He gave a graduation speech for his high school graduation. After many years of being on alternate curriculum, he has started college. “I love college! It makes me feel like I finally have freedom.”
Caden Rainey
Caden is known for his kindness, humor, and being a loyal friend. He is described as witty, strong, trustworthy, and loving. When you see his sly smile, you can count on a cheeky response! He’s creative, a talented artist and an expert on all things Stonehenge.
Noah Seback
Noah’s proud that he has “overcome the shame that kept me from being proud of being me. I’m more whole and like myself now.” He’s passionate about addressing trauma endured by spellers. “I’m an outdoors guy who’d like to visit all of the National Parks.”
Sofi
Sofi is proud of her ability to “spell what I think” and wants others to have a voice too. She is helping grow the speller community in the Pacific Northwest. She is known as a good friend, adventurer, and a bit sassy! “ I ride my tandem bike with my mom.”
Mal Traudt
Mal is a kind and smart individual who wants to help others. He handles transitions like a champion. His smile brings joy to everyone around him and is always a positive presence. Mal is most proud of his ability to type his thoughts and is a zebra aficionado.
Tylar
Tylar is known for his gentle patience and kindness. Friends describe him as kind and funny. Tylar is proud that he “sees the good in people even when they don’t understand me and make assumptions because I don’t speak well.” In the future, he hopes to study la...
Meet the Author
Elizabeth Vosseller
Elizabeth Vosseller and I-ASC are committed to ensuring ALL nonspeaking individuals have access to communication through training, education, advocacy and research. Elizabeth is honored to serve as the Executive Director for I-ASC. She loves to travel through the spellerverse amongst all the nonspeaking stars!
