Last weekend I attended Motormorphosis along with 88 other spellers. For those of you who have not experienced the awesomeness that is Motormorphosis, it is a gathering of nonspeakers, their families, friends and allies that centers us. We gather to hear professionals talk about research and policy, as well as fellow nonspeakers give presentations about subjects that matter to us.
The magic of Motormorphosis comes from being with my most cherished community. We are provided the freedom to be our authentic selves away from the judgment and disapproval we experience so often. Understand I need the support of friends to get through the challenges of living in a world that doesn’t understand me.

Meeting new spellers is utterly thrilling because it means that the most hopeful intervention for us has been found by more families, and more nonspeakers are no longer imprisoned. Putting the lifesaving force of communication front and center means we are being seen and heard. We feel like nothing can stop us since we are the future. We are teaching the rest of humanity to feel compassion and respect all people, which feels like we are having great impact to improve our world. Experience it for yourself next year. Sign up for the I-ASC Newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on life-changing events like this one!

Anna Napolitano lives in Pittsburgh, PA. She spends her time taking college classes, getting together with friends, working out and doing puzzles. She has been a member of I-ASC’s Nonspeaking Leadership Council and Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network since their inception in 2019.