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Kinsey Showers is an S2C practitioner based in Utah. She began her spelling journey in 2018 when she was working at Invictus Academy Tampa Bay, a school for students with sensory motor differences. She is also a cohort leader and mentor for the International Association for Spelling as Communication.
Kinsey is very passionate about communication rights because that's what communication is- a right! She is so thankful to work with nonspeakers and their families. Kinsey’s background is in education and she has worked in both private and public school settings. While the main focus of S2C is not necessarily to provide an education, she is passionate about advocating for her clients in whichever educational space they are in.
Follow Kinsey on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kinseyshermansen/
The International Association for Spelling as Communication
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Communication is a fundamental human right, yet traditional speech is not accessible for many individuals with disabilities like autism, apraxia, and Down syndrome. Spelling to Communicate (S2C) offers a transformative alternative, allowing non-speakers to express their thoughts, needs, and desires through spelling.
Kinsey Showers, a dedicated S2C practitioner based in Utah, has made it her mission to empower nonspeaking child. Her story sheds light on the importance of communication and the profound impact S2C can have on those with sensory-motor challenges.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a highly effective communication method designed for non-speakers, particularly those with disabilities, such as autism, apraxia, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other sensory-motor differences. This approach allows them to express their thoughts, ideas and needs by spelling out words using letter boards.
What sets S2C apart from traditional speech is its focus on transferring communication from the fine motor control of the mouth—which is often a challenge for many non-speakers—to more accessible, larger motor movements. Instead of speaking, individuals use physical actions like pointing or tapping on letters to spell out their thoughts.
The S2C process is gradual and methodical, beginning with larger letter boards that divide the alphabet into three sections. These larger boards make it easier for individuals to develop accuracy and motor control by providing a bigger target area.
Once they become proficient in spelling words on these boards with minimal or no prompting, they move to a single board containing all 26 letters. This allows for more complex sentences and greater fluency in communication.
As individuals gain more confidence and accuracy on the single-letter board, the next step is transitioning to keyboards. Using a keyboard introduces new skills such as managing letter spacing, capitalization, and navigating between a keyboard and a screen.
One key goal of S2C is to achieve open communication, where nonspeaking individuals can answer open-ended questions and express their own ideas reliably. Accuracy is critical in this process, as it ensures that the words spelled out on the letter board or typed on a keyboard reflect the individual’s true thoughts, desires, and needs.
Building accuracy in communication fosters trust between the non-speaker and the practitioner, empowering the individual to express themselves more freely and confidently. Accurate communication can lead to satisfaction for both the non-speaker and those trying to understand them.
As individuals improve their accuracy, they transition from guided communication to more independent expression, allowing them to share complex ideas and engage in meaningful conversations.
AAC devices typically rely on preprogrammed words, phrases, or symbols, restricting the user’s ability to express complex or nuanced thoughts. For some, AAC devices may feel rigid, making communicating difficult in spontaneous or dynamic situations.
In contrast, Spelling to Communicate (S2C) allows individuals to spell out their thoughts letter by letter, giving them full control over what they want to say. This method allows for more flexibility and personalization, enabling non-speakers to communicate everything from basic needs to sophisticated concepts.
S2C doesn’t replace AAC but can complement it, offering a path toward more open-ended, independent communication. By bridging the gap between structured, device-based communication and personalized expression, S2C empowers non-speakers to express themselves fully and authentically.
If you’re a parent exploring communication options for your non-speaking child, Spelling to Communicate (S2C) may be the solution you're looking for. However, it is essential to assess your child’s unique needs, your family’s goals, and the level of support available.
Here are several factors to consider when determining if S2C is the right fit for your family:
Your Child’s Specific Needs
S2C is tailored for individuals who are non-speaking or have unreliable speech due to conditions such as autism, apraxia, Down syndrome, or other sensory-motor differences. If your child struggles to communicate verbally but shows signs of understanding, engagement, and a desire to connect with the world around them, S2C could unlock their ability to express themselves more fully.
This method shifts the focus from speech to motor skills, allowing individuals to spell their thoughts through letterboards. If your child is frustrated by their inability to speak or frequently misunderstood, S2C provides a powerful tool to foster genuine communication.
Age Considerations: From Children To Adults
S2C can be introduced as early as age four when children begin learning letters, sounds, and basic motor skills. At this stage, S2C can help younger children associate letters with their meaning, building a foundation for future communication.
There is no upper age limit, making it a valuable option for older children, teens, and adults who have never had the chance to communicate reliably. For adults who may have spent years unable to express their thoughts, S2C can be a life-changing experience, offering them a newfound voice.
Time And Commitment: Parental Involvement Is Key
Working with a trained S2C practitioner is essential to building the method's foundation, but progress accelerates with regular practice at home. As a parent, you’ll need to be actively involved in the learning process, reinforcing S2C lessons and creating opportunities for your child to practice their skills outside of formal sessions.
The more consistent the practice, the faster your child is likely to progress. This means carving out time to work on spelling and motor skills daily, which can be demanding but is critical for success.
A Personalized And Flexible Approach
One of the strengths of S2C is its adaptability to each individual’s unique motor abilities and sensory needs. Every session is customized to meet the specific challenges and strengths of the individual, ensuring they can progress at their own pace.
Sessions may include sensory breaks, purposeful movement activities, or the use of different tools (such as various types of letterboards) to help the individual stay regulated and focused. For children who benefit from sensory input, incorporating movement and regulation strategies can significantly enhance their ability to engage with S2C and communicate more effectively.
Long-Term Goals: Building Toward Independence
As your child develops their motor skills and spelling accuracy, they can progress from letterboards to typing on keyboards. This shift allows for more fluent and independent communication, eventually enabling the individual to advocate for themselves in various settings, including school, social environments, and healthcare appointments.
With S2C, the long-term goal is to empower individuals to express their desires, share their ideas, and make decisions about their lives. This level of independence can open up new opportunities in education, work, and personal relationships.
Access To Professional Support: Finding An S2C Practitioner
While the availability of S2C practitioners is growing, some areas are still considered "spelling deserts," with limited access to trained professionals. In such cases, virtual sessions can provide an alternative, offering remote training for parents or guardians to implement the method at home.
The good news is that more practitioners are being trained every year, and many offer online support, ensuring that families in remote areas can still access the guidance they need. Additionally, workshops, conferences, and online resources are becoming more widespread, helping parents and professionals learn how to use S2C effectively.
Kinsey's journey as an S2C practitioner has taught her one invaluable lesson: “These individuals are constantly absorbing the world around them, even if they can't communicate it in traditional ways. They have so much to share, and it’s our responsibility to provide the tools and support to help them express it.”
Her advice to parents, practitioners, and educators is simple but powerful: believe in a nonspeaking children’s potential and meet them where they are. By doing so, you'll create a foundation of trust and empowerment that can unlock incredible breakthroughs in communication.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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