A common question I receive is: “How is Spellers Method different from other spelling-based communication methods?” This is an important question—especially considering that Spellers Method is emerging as a trusted approach for nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or unreliably speaking individuals with motor disabilities, such as apraxia.
The Origins of Spelled Communication
Spelled communication has been utilized for decades, with occupational therapists like myself using letter boards for individuals with motor impairments, including those who have suffered from strokes. The concept of pointing to letters to communicate is not new. However, controversy arose with the introduction of Facilitated Communication (FC), where a communication partner physically supports the speller’s arm or hand to help them point to letters. While FC allowed many nonspeaking individuals to communicate, critics argued that the communication partners were influencing the results, which cast doubt on the validity of the communication. Despite this, FC remains in use today, and some of my clients have transitioned from FC to seek more independent communication through spelling.
The Emergence of the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)
The Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) was developed by Soma Mukhopadhyay for her son, Tito, who is nonspeaking but highly intelligent. Soma created RPM to teach academics using letter boards, recognizing that Tito’s challenges were related to motor difficulties, not cognitive delays. Over time, RPM evolved into a popular method for academic learning, though its primary goal was not initially communication.
While RPM has helped many, it can be difficult for parents to replicate at home. Parents often report that while their child succeeds with a trained RPM practitioner, they feel discouraged when trying to achieve the same results independently. As an occupational therapist, I’ve studied RPM and engaged with families, but I’ve noticed that RPM places less emphasis on specific motor skill development and sensory-motor integration, which are critical for individuals with apraxia.
RPM’s focus on academics and the practitioner-child dynamic can sometimes make it difficult for parents or caregivers to become the primary communication partners. This is where Spellers Method stands apart.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C): A Motor Learning Focus
The next evolution of spelled communication is Spelling to Communicate (S2C). As one of the first to train in S2C, I was immediately drawn to its emphasis on motor learning progression, which aligns with how we naturally develop physical skills. S2C offers a clear structure and progression, making it easier for parents and new communication partners to follow. However, I realized that S2C doesn’t fully address key areas like vision integration and the individual sensory-motor profiles of each speller, which are essential for building motor control and communication skills.
Additionally, S2C doesn’t prioritize coaching the parents as communication partners. In many cases, practitioners are the main communicators, which doesn’t always empower parents to take on the primary role in their child’s communication.
The Birth of Spellers Method: Filling the Gaps
After years of working with spellers, Dana Johnson and Dawnmarie Gaivin developed Spellers Method to address gaps we observed in existing methods. Many spellers, though labeled as “open communicators,” lacked the foundational motor and sensory regulation skills necessary for consistent communication. This was especially true when caregivers or others outside of a trained practitioner’s session tried to support the speller.
What was missing in many methods was a solid foundation in motor skills, sensory regulation, and vision support. These components are crucial for a speller to maintain endurance and stamina—skills needed to spell or type independently, whether on a letterboard or keyboard. We realized that parents must be the primary communication partners and that they needed the right tools and support to succeed.
What Sets Spellers Method Apart?
Unlike other methods, Spellers Method is built with whole-body apraxia and neuromotor disabilities in mind. From the very beginning, we focus on parent empowerment. Our goal is to train parents and caregivers to be effective Communication Partners (CPs) so that spellers can communicate at home, every day, without solely relying on trained professionals.
We understand that communication is most effective when it is accessible consistently in the home, not just during provider sessions. Spellers Method ensures that spellers and communication partners develop the foundational skills necessary before advancing to more complex tasks like using a keyboard. Regulation, vision, and motor planning are all addressed from the start, ensuring the speller has a well-rounded skill set. Find out more about the Spellers Method by contacting Spellers Center Atlanta.
The Key Benefits of Spellers Method
- Parent-Centered Training: Parents become the primary communication partners from day one. This empowerment ensures consistent communication at home.
- Focus on Motor Skill Development: Unlike other methods that may focus more on academic output, Spellers Method is deeply rooted in motor learning, ensuring the speller has control over their body’s movements when spelling.
- Addressing Sensory and Vision Needs: We recognize that vision and sensory-motor integration are critical components in developing accurate motor control. We help spellers improve their sensory processing skills to facilitate more effective communication.
- Reduced Practitioner Influence: Our goal is to reduce reliance on practitioners and ensure that the speller’s communication is genuine and not influenced by outside prompts.
- Grounded in Research: Spellers Method is informed by the latest research in occupational therapy, vision science, and neurodevelopment, making it a comprehensive, functional path for communication.
Final Thoughts: Spellers Method’s Unique Contribution
While RPM and S2C have played vital roles in the evolution of spelled communication, Spellers Method fills a critical gap in areas such as motor development, vision integration, and parent empowerment. We focus on creating a robust, practical, and parent-centered communication method designed to help spellers communicate independently and successfully in all areas of their life.
By addressing the needs of the whole person, we aim to provide spellers with the tools, support, and foundation they need to thrive – at home, in life, and on their terms.
