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![Don't we all wish that a visit from the magical inclusion fairy who sprinkles some pixie dust over classrooms could make inclusion happen on the spot?
Or maybe even that a few days of intensive training can make that same magic happen...
The reality is, though, that real inclusion is more complicated. It doesn't happen overnight.
Schools need to own a belief system that inclusion is possible, make a commitment to being uncomfortable trying new things, and understand that change takes time!
What small steps can you take today to build a more inclusive society?
[id: a two-tone teal graphic of a speech bubble. The words printed on top say, "REAL inclusion doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, and hard work."]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/720761032_1635068781955396_5787483402202817462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=_4p7zV4-fGAQ7kNvwGVAzhR&_nc_oc=AdpqKA42hRMEQY57-acrNqpsepeET4Vxt11qTmk-_VcM8o0eM47XfuoGouP_hUUaLUQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGdy5kmeEcX17M0UiY7Lg-T5IWqKyJR_fSfh8EYNaQokf1enM4oxvY9fvc8SB2Qc8J2uYkMZmwS&oh=00_AQDs2OizIp_zGyfos9Lh3I_cBBeMHnRPRHtMABa16JeuHQ&oe=6A55D09C)
![It's Disability Pride Month! What you likely can't see in this tower of books (and subtle plug for Lisa's books and curriculum guides...) are some gems you should add to your reading lists to continue learning from disabled voices.
Here's a few to get you started:
* I Will Die on this Hill by Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards
*Disability Visability edited by Alice Wong
*Being Heumann by Judith Heumann
*Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
*Sincerely, Your Autistic Child edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport, and MorƩnike Giwa Onaiwu
*The Anti-ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu
If you're in the REV Gaithersburg office, you can find them on our lending library shelves in the lobby. Please feel free to borrow one the next time you're here!
[id: a photo of Lisa, a woman with red curly hair sitting next to a tower of books including those mentioned above. She's holding a copy of Breaking Barriers for Nonspeaking Autistic Students: A Toolkit to Enhance Communication in Learning Environments]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/721082573_1635061151956159_1806123265877385218_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=45oDFBTgqRcQ7kNvwHFnLbg&_nc_oc=AdrpPk9taCcCDjDwFoBht_JpNRxynSRKZhVeRfGxg8ugMMCq9Y809RhC6mUHJ6PyZkE&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQE_IwfbSturq-5tyjf4ffA2wCie-crfth6_YjATuMXWGgXCDfgqIlch8ppi0WVJvXx70FuQvuIE&oh=00_AQAFCnptOTtkcyGW2WDwXZ2ldyvZMfio-NQgqaBXwyyQvg&oe=6A55C217)
!["When you look like a typical person and speak like one too the world looks at you with more respect.
I might look typical at first glance and my mouth speaks words, but almost never the words that are in my mind.
In my school a lot of people take my mouth words at face value despite being told to listen to my spelled words.
Just like we make assumptions about the intelligence of immigrants forced to communicate in a language not their first.
Mouth words are my second language.
When you let me use my actual preferred communication my intelligence cannot be denied."
TJ Thompson, REV Student
[a photograph of a white letterboard with black letters on a table. The words from TJ's quote are printed in white on the image.]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/721340158_1635052808623660_3559624315100445623_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=VL3UrERWZ-oQ7kNvwEskRKU&_nc_oc=AdpR9_xkDRMY9k_zwSJaKzU6TmESGyU6PRyDKDS2nDr_qcOJ1oNSZwMlnUO1vMPj7Qw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGFhhmsA-hrgdKkuM9BCDT5idToxZHD2KyfnwtLFsA-b4zEmdaVVDeBeYoSTyqkCGo_9_N-A5G4&oh=00_AQCIYtypqkP2XKpB0HMnqGv4ppG_uKzBL9z3qPs7hPbOJg&oe=6A55E84E)
![We've been reading things lately that discourage parents from using more than one teaching practice or methodology to build reliable communication with their nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking students.
We actually think that's sort of backwards.
We know that for a long time, people who moved to our country and spoke a different language were pressured to not speak to their children in their native language, and were told instead to only speak in English so they wouldn't "confuse" their children.
We now know through research that children are capable of absorbing and learning multiple languages. Some studies even show that children as young as four months old can discriminate between faces speaking different languages.
Telling parents to restrict their children to one method of communication instruction feels awfully similar.
At Reach Every Voice, we value knowledge that comes from many sources. We definitely don't claim to be the ultimate source of wisdom or expertise in our field. We DO continually learn from others and encourage everyone we work with to do the same.
We value helping our students to develop multimodal communication skills so they are able to communicate in multiple and varied settings with multiple and varied partners.
We also believe that each learner is unique and within the scope of best practices, parents, educators, and partners need to have freedom to be creative and use out-of-the-box thinking in order to meet their students' needs.
Parents, we say, learn from lots of people and use what works for you. If you need help along the way, we're here to support you.
[image ID: a two-tone teal graphic of a speech bubble. The words printed on top say, "We have no idea what a child is capable of learning unless information is presented in a way that is accessible to them and they have a reliable way to communicate their understanding." The Reach Every Voice logo is in white at the bottom right of the image.]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/719813294_1635050491957225_3265649353198478910_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=MxWVOJGmSx0Q7kNvwHqlfEx&_nc_oc=Adr7ZWc8EKHIY-B4bykqEMq4EWAeXmtSZo584lM9I2FQ1_Nf_e86nvVjcnfmzRDMMmU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFmfINJ2g8vS419ZlbYqyZAd0sD2YgO3P0eyZKdNxDlrR6uZrlKo99HLU1Iy05q4B93Pa-rAfae&oh=00_AQC0awdQAsex24Y7lUpdnKZY26_hVVSxEgqkq9z-jfUx8Q&oe=6A55EA49)
![Have you heard the idea that if you don't take a break, your body will probably take one for you? (And it probably won't be at a convenient time...)
We love these tips from our student Nick Barry about his thoughts on honoring the body's needs.
Nick shares:
I want to share my big ideas for honoring the body's needs:
1: Honor your need to pace.
Standing to walk briefly is not doing less than someone who sits.
The movement refocuses my brain.
2:Honor your need to flap, tap, and twirl.
Small movements and change in sensory perceptions realign a heightened nervous system.
Even helps NT people although they maybe donāt get the joke.
3: Honor your need to jump or spin.
Having chaos inside too long requires some type of tremendous mitigation.
Learn to find safe ways to move to bring that sense of peace back.
4: Honor your need to rest.
You should not need to be busy to feel worthy.
Bring downtime to your plans the same way you schedule meetings.
[id: 6 teal slides that include the four tips shared above as well as a cover that reads, "Nick's Tips: advice from a nonspeaking autistic guy. 4 big ideas for honoring the body's needs" and a closing slide reminding folks to engage with this post to increase the reach of Nick's words.]
#autonomy #agency #PresumeCompetence](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/491161091_1258372252958386_9164259369986053415_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=pqtOsx2ohIIQ7kNvwGuEkuI&_nc_oc=AdrLh5CeFOvDiaPdMKPzrmuwVnbI9xw30VHoWLzzf_yQ1N5vdtCIiHayrvGmZqcxK2M&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHfGdIzwAe3NaTRjpSR-3ZO_T9qV45BMQ-PvaEURW9c3GhL0o72NzdvnnILZqx7dXfiwWHn0xrE&oh=00_AQCbpb3rZIH4X5WWY2zHy7fwBgOXkADzD9LrXCaSH8wOtQ&oe=6A55DB9E)
![We need to rethink the labels that persist in our educational and professional settings. Labels like "low functioning" create division, impact judgments that are made about students before even meeting them, and can even limit the opportunities we provide to these students.
Does this resonate, but you're not sure where to get started? Sign up for our Accessible Academics course! Lifetime access to the content is just $99.
www.reacheveryvoice.org/accessible-academics-course
[id: a teal background with gray accents and a gray box in the middle. the text says, "fun fact: Functioning labels don't help describe a person. Instead, describe their specific needs. Wouldn't it suck to be called "low functioning?""]
#reacheveryvoice #educators #PresumeComptence](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/720317657_1635042788624662_4195324127757735055_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=gWm3zKqMqSUQ7kNvwEM_KPn&_nc_oc=AdreKhGHr6TQ3S9VJWKX4BdqOzudHpq3YDEM1mTatRzt_arALh_qf7PzR1PSnPQCQro&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGV_93drN1VydYLAenKJdrND91vlTVOQytpVkY3y9JZj7r-mHcDM3BrCg13LG1_-zFmGE5OBK9O&oh=00_AQBJNF33omQ50V1YgtR7PwjBkIktaAO_-SaM1s9eVlqG8w&oe=6A55B71A)
![This is one of our all-time favorite pics from Summer Institute.
Can you guess the year?
We're excited for summer programs to kick off next week!
[id: a photo of Lisa and Jack leaning against a brick wall, looking off into the distance. Lisa has shades, Jack has earphones, and both are wearing shirts with a keyboard and the words "26 letters...infinite possibilities.]
#presumecompetence #reacheveryvoice #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/721667605_1635034231958851_8536977990418812934_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=BjTyIoYr3XEQ7kNvwGYJYyJ&_nc_oc=AdqohoKvfT3ba21lkKy2g84qd1vhMSTvSsx2BuuYxvti2wLLwNtnexvgW5QJ4E8oILU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGmRVACrDEfjm5UuE4n7ZYaynkCh62HWBhfWNmUakrpitQ1F3nKgr8ZH__mFoL86TaYI_UGq6o1&oh=00_AQA5cpVk1uqCZyewQnUf7KO2RZ0b5umwXoNc1zeTxOlIBQ&oe=6A55E430)
![It's summertime and we're all dreaming about vacations that get us out of the east coast heatwave!
Nick has some tips for you when planning travel with your autistic loved ones.
Here they are...
Nick's Tips: Advice from a Nonspeaking Autistic Guy
4 Tips for Better Trips (considerations for travel)
1: Include me in planning.
When we travel and things have to change from my day to day schedule, I value knowing what's on tap.
2: Give me the chance to try new things.
You never know if you'll like new foods or activities if you're never given the opportunities. Encourage me but never force me.
3: A meltdown doesn't necessarily mean I'm having a bad time.
Maybe I am overtired.
Or overstimulated.
Or hangry.
4: Take chances.
I have so many friends who have never been on an airplane because their parents think they can't handle it.
But what if they can?
You miss every shot you never take.
[id: 6 melon-colored slides that include the four tips shared above as well as a cover that reads, "Nick's Tips: Advice from a Nonspeaking Autistic Guy. 4 Tips for Better Trips (considerations for travel)" and a closing slide reminding folks to engage with this post to increase the reach of Nick's words.]
#PresumeCompetence #reacheveryvoice #nickstips](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/720361633_1635039381958336_4981764169892794290_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=Mxp0Jp-YLCAQ7kNvwGbX7MN&_nc_oc=Adrs-alvsY0ZQVuI4bsmOIMB5-_p6_niof0T-MaRQ4bScOum7IjQbjdFjnE5Ru7vNRs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQE7E-UqUJd8YVBvjgfbfg_XTgxUD5K5Kx3utlCc_ZEPoed8gNOtYhLynFZJ0NTbVB2YdPK2qhqE&oh=00_AQDZH3EWZJ00Ot8pBsp8JdK2zIliKSDQwBqKK7DwAsHj9w&oe=6A55D363)
![Trevor shares this powerful message asking everyone to be self-reflective in their "AMPLIFY" acrostic poem.
Ask if you learn from nonspeakers
Make it a
Point to seek out our voices.
Listen and change and apologize for what you got wrong.
If you're not willing to
Fix past disrespect
You can cause more harm.
[id: a photograph of Trevor, wearing red and black headphones, seated at a table pointing to letters on a transparent letterboard held by Lisa. The words from Trevor's acrostic are printed on the image in red and white text designed to make the word "AMPLIFY" stand out.]
#PresumeCompetence #ListenToNonspeakers #RethinkAutism #Spellers #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #ActuallyAutistic](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/718099163_1633413208787620_2161729740970137553_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=W3FPqApeO-sQ7kNvwG3T4SU&_nc_oc=AdoB2oa_BZQ6YDbwjhMPINeCfxAp70EaeHD1GQpz-jfWSMjfrCcXI4LQ8wnps0XLmFA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFHGrdWsnUvxjHRL8Zpe-EFN8DFPYA1vKryyQtwrI6u_D7u8XU_b2ad2xNxuxYzMOPkehIk5_mT&oh=00_AQBueDkQaHFIFPvh1jZyqFvObVHP3_9JE2Z3iX7Uu-w2MQ&oe=6A55DE21)
![They see a diagnosis. We see a person.
In Ethan's powerful words, we're reminded of the vast difference between fixing, training, and dismissing versus truly seeing, supporting, and empowering.
At REV, we've spent 11 years rejecting the deficit model. We don't try to make nonspeaking autistic individuals fit into neurotypical boxes. Instead, we create environments where autonomy thrives alongside necessary support.
This dual commitmentāhonoring independence while providing robust assistanceāis at the heart of everything we do. Because presuming competence isn't just a philosophy; it's the foundation for meaningful connection.
Want to learn how we create spaces where students like Ethan feel truly seen? Reach out today.
"MDs see me as someone to cure. BCBAs see me as someone to train to fit a neurotypical world. SLPs see me as someone incapable of real communication. But my REV teachers see me as someone capable of having so much autonomy thought I definitely need a lot of support."
Ethan Tucker
#AutisticVoicesMatter #PresumingCompetence #NeurodiversityAffirming #AutonomyWithSupport
[ID: A blue and white graphic featuring a quote from Ethan Tucker contrasting how different professionals view him versus REV teachers. The right side shows Ethan, a young man with short dark hair wearing a black shirt, leaning up against a window.]
š§ info@ReachEveryVoice.org š www.ReachEveryVoice.org](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/718587932_1633391928789748_9136612055395941806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=RLHX1UYfVJwQ7kNvwGsKpf1&_nc_oc=Ado3gMa8QDIo_Z_PbhoVSGKTz-5BzJBAq1JAg6JjZORQECgm6mAtZhE-oVPk9aGmpGM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG1AUrNS671d8SesZZGnmcwGafEg72sfDHuxbc-Z-eSbqpwM8VR2NeidSOGsUu6gIHy_Kv92UJ8&oh=00_AQCqkOuA59rRpKpDMSXO5qyly7xjXGhagSymOKXBqSnweQ&oe=6A55E80C)
![When Philip types "I am a person," he's not just making a statement. He's challenging a system that too often underestimates nonspeaking students' intellectual capabilities.
At REV, we don't "teach down." We build up. We challenge. We engage.
We provide the age-appropriate, intellectually stimulating education that every mind deserves.
Tired of educational programs that assume incompetence? Join our community of families who've discovered what's possible when we truly respect nonspeaking students' intelligence.
Thank you to our friend Philip for letting us share your words!
Attention
Move faster
Priority
Louder
I am a peron
Future is now
You matter
#RealAcademics #IntellectualRespect #EducationJustice #AutisticMinds #PresumeCompetence
[Image description: A student named Philip smiles while wearing yellow headphones in front of his communication device displaying an AMPLIFY acrostic that includes powerful phrases like "I am a person" and "Future is now."]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/710782200_1626103696185238_938361205135172231_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=qfNFSchdz0UQ7kNvwFUjS9t&_nc_oc=Ado_rDYbofcKSYhojSzyegVAZFNAmtpCh7zorA6OUWbhskdt_Oiu9UpqISYrw_jcHok&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGMCi2Bcck1ifhEAD5MJuRpKi8AM2F_OrDBsGmIgWEcPdZyqa40epYvP_ahUxF0ChXvYIkPQ_5g&oh=00_AQAB3dUcCSm8YcW1Zb54rSQFymAzIwkq3Gd1XZUPlHbnkg&oe=6A55D7E6)
![When Ryan types "Mindful Please Listening," he's not just practicing his communication skills āhe's inviting the world to witness his thoughts. His AMPLIFY acrostic doesn't require complete sentences to convey profound meaning.
At REV, we celebrate every form of expression. Whether through creative writing, mathematics, or phonics, we're committed to helping nonspeaking students share the rich inner worlds they've always had.
Ryan's yearning to be heard reminds us why we do this work. Behind each carefully typed letter is a mind waiting to connectāif only we provide the right tools and truly listen.
With permission and respect, we share words from Ryan's journey as he builds his communication skills, one powerful keystroke at a time.
Autism
Mindful
Please
Listening
Imagine
Freeing
Yearning
Ryan Brunner
REV Student
[id: a photo of Ryan building the skills to communicate using a keyboard positioned on a slantboard. His communication partner is seated off to his side. Ryan's poem is printed on the bottom right corner of the photo]
#PresumeCompetence #Amplify #Poetry #Advocacy #Autism #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonSpeaking](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/711618203_1626101002852174_6336018076915778043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=DnP1MTss1bAQ7kNvwHyZ_QE&_nc_oc=AdoMfkjLypIFyh3DaZTzUxEliIDVSCUzVyMuJOpOgJB6kC9cIMyBCa83LC-L4w95TYs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGaURIl5GJmJWPcaRs6DVw3fcEWcak_VlBjEKqN12GNGLGRbMUlcmyoee4jVjX2acATsh6DN6ci&oh=00_AQBk8tIIB9nhLLo_sKg4911cvj-J_r2PMRH-3aanAN8WHQ&oe=6A55DAD8)
!["You hear my voice." These words from Leah represent every human's desire to be truly understood.
At REV, we don't just teach communicationāwe create spaces where non-speaking learners feel seen, valued, and empowered to express their authentic selves.
At REV, we know our learners have a variety of regulation and sensory needs. And we meet them with calm, curiosity, and careānever stress or shame.
It helps our students shine.
Please share Leah's poem..because every voice deserves to be amplified.
Autism
Meaningful
Playful
Lovely
Incredible
Fabulous
You hear my voice.
Thank you for sharing your words with us, Leah!
#NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking #PresumeCompetence #CommunicationAccess #ReachEveryVoice #EveryVoiceMatters
[a photo of Leah holding a pencil and poking a letter on a stencil held by her communication partner. The words to her acrostic AMPLIFY poem are printed on top of the image.]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/709821497_1626098869519054_7424049073407302254_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=f53WoBH3rG4Q7kNvwGhRlUZ&_nc_oc=AdoHi0lZSKXivmi6mZSct5oLDLaBDn5KKK63qmG7Q_YmJX26BPFS5J8PsM4x1ZNG8dY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEdD5zrfUBzZMQfOkYkI-nNpaqujXWIbnzzV_xSwRr_Nx-3hZieNAn_it-YnwMFpIABnjLwyJ6h&oh=00_AQA_7obB9_Bugz2lqJDPRS2S1jj7p81-oEIfK7TPXmq75Q&oe=6A55D764)
![Autistic voices must be heard!
The first line of Casey's acrostic poem says it all. We're proud to continue to amplify our students' words. We invite you to share these posts to help us broaden their reach.
Autistic voices must be heard.
My life has changed with a pencil and stencils.
Please know I need this community to survive.
Learning happens when you open your ears.
I am ready for big changes.
Finding myself through spelling.
You have the ability to accept.
Casey
REV Student
#NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking #PresumeCompetence #ActuallyAutistic #Poetry #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #ReachEveryVoice
[id: a photo of Casey, a young person with glasses, short dark hair, and a deep blue shirt on a sunny day with clear blue skies at the beach. Casey is standing where the waves meet the shore, turning to smile at the camera. The words from Casey's acrostic poem are printed on the image.]](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/699879836_1609415544520720_1559433329444450899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=C3-kbWdNvGoQ7kNvwGEbY1e&_nc_oc=Adrq5BV7hytK7JUlx_FCh2uJBzA5DMDWuE5b0g98Yc7Ax9V8zfZQCGdNJOoxbvOy26g&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQE6TndsO7Dr_1dwr0TDKsOrHm0lh-r6Rt6mG3KbA96_bCWrtRzY8YRl7PcdXs2U5LbrVFdPzA4i&oh=00_AQBS4XQAF8dyIoa699QV3q2aPLdoqyXSMHcOVKaclQd_sQ&oe=6A55C820)
![Many of the students we support have spent years frustrated and misunderstood at school.
Without a reliable method of communication, they're unable to demonstrate their knowledge or correct the assumptions the schools make about their intelligence, their intentions, and their behavior.
All this can lead to an ever-growing distrust of schools and educators.
Which is why when a student DOES feel hope and DOES hear that a school is willing to learn to support them, it hurts even more when the school doesn't follow through.
We're in a not-so-great place in a lot of schools right now where staffing shortages combined with ever-increasing workloads are making it hard for students' to have their needs met. It's part of a much bigger systemic problem both within schools and within our culture, which most certainly doesn't value and pay teacher like they should.
And yet. Despite these challenges, students' documented, legally-mandated services aren't always being provided.
We hope our student TJ's words, written in 2024 but still true today, are a good reminder for educators and administrators that trust can be hard to earn and it's even harder to repair once broken.
Here's TJ's "AMPLIFY" poem. We hope you'll share it with those in positions to start making systemic changes.
As you
Make
Promises to autistic students
Let's remember
If you don't
Follow through
You are complicit in their mistrust of schools.
[id: a photograph of TJ in which he (at his request) "looks grumpy." The words of his AMPLIFY acrostic poem are written in the bottom left of the image.]
#PresumeCompetence #Trust #SpecialEducation #teachers #SchoolAdministrators #DoBetter #NonspeakingAutism #AutisticStudent #NonspeakingDoesNotEqualNonthinking #CommunicationAccess #CommunicationIsAHumanRight #Autism](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/700482689_1609413507854257_5717302478666353200_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=t1WN7InouL8Q7kNvwG_ZDCr&_nc_oc=Adp_xU0vdY3zHkuwqd-1h0wkRVYquOfUi3NSy6PPk2LlSKXimcRtKE2B_RBDI7zsm0M&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGQI9rO0NJoobZfhabVPECU-5QCzmfy5vfOp-yRR3r0MnZZhqo8ggN3YeWETTKQNtc58R1ICjV2&oh=00_AQDm2at3d3FO4Z-Oe85YOiJISRn1ftABboTfOdJKuN7Dnw&oe=6A55C7E6)
![At REV, we value autonomy over independence. We also believe that no one is truly independent. We live interconnected lives that are made better for the ways we rely on one another. What matters is the autonomy we have in directing our own decisions.
What conversations have you had lately about shifting your perspectives from prioritizing independence to prioritizing autonomy?
[image id: a teal two-tone graphic of a speech bubble with some of the words "Autonomy isn't doing everything yourself. It's being able to direct the choices that impact your life" printed in white. The Reach Every Voice logo is printed in white in the bottom right corner]
#autonomy #PresumeCompetence #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking #Interdependence #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #Autism #DisabilityRights](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/700069925_1609410947854513_1907208833304966209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=-w2Q2XoujYgQ7kNvwHIQQkj&_nc_oc=AdrYmUVzBt_B7uIJLQPaUQe9X2DA1NnTBCYph7UXGl_hQBRFaUQpDghXJlK6_A0drC0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=HRA_TYoxmdiK-cy-tbbPMA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGZCcBgxWI9mChs6pA3TNCxfDKbCKwU3k1tLZ8uHpLbU7V7i44gSpzS0pN18JcJgK4rgt3o9RyM&oh=00_AQD4V2rJHkr_6yNR3fvo5J6DmhMjdSipghE8u3X_h_O3wA&oe=6A55E09D)