Ohio Communication Workshop for Neurodivergent Spellers
My work as an autism therapist has had many unexpected and wonderful twists and turns throughout the years. This year, I partnered with my son, Noah Nelson, and my cousin Lori Pete, to create a one-day communication workshop for neurodivergent people in our state of Ohio.
Discovering Text-Based Communication
A few years ago, when researching ways to help two of my long-term clients (Andrew and Jakob) who both have unreliable speech, I was introduced to text-based communication.
Julie Sando, of Autistically Inclined and Communication for Education, came to work with Andrew, Jakob, and me, and our lives have not been the same since!
Working with Julie to learn text-based communication, Jakob and Andrew have both become able to fully communicate by pointing at a keyboard and spelling out their thoughts one letter at a time with an autism communication partner by their side holding the keyboard and helping them regulate their emotional state and overcome autistic looping impulses.
It has been mind-blowing how much Jakob and Andrew’s lives have expanded, and the incredible things they have been able to accomplish since having access to reliable communication.
Communication Training Courses In Person and Online
There is a lot to learn in the text-based communication process for both the communication partner and the neurodivergent person doing the spelling.
To further my understanding, I completed an online course at Autistically Inclined and practiced many hours with Jakob and Andrew. I also had in-person coaching with Julie Sando, which made a huge difference in my communication skills training.
Julie is based in California, while Noah and I live in Ohio and Lori lives in lower Michigan, so we would travel to California to see Julie one-on-one or to attend one of her amazing Speller Camps and Autism Workshops.
The Birth of the Ohio Connection Workshop
Inspired by Autistically Inclined’s camps and workshops in California, we had the idea to bring that same energy to the Midwest, so the Ohio Connection Workshop was born!
Ohio Connection Workshop is a day camp experience for neurodivergent people who use text-based multimodal communication and their communication partners.
Noah, Lori, and I partnered to create our communication workshop here in Ohio, in partnership with Autistically Inclined.
This is an absolute dream for us as autism advocates and autism communication partners. Now, we can bring the same amazing in-person experience of learning and connection to our backyards, where spellers can connect and learn together.
Our communication workshop is held at Maumee Bay State Park, Ohio, situated on the shores of Lake Erie. This location provides access to wetlands, ponds, beaches, meadows, trails, and a variety of native wildlife.
We blend spelling opportunities into nearly all our workshop activities so families can practice communication and experience the joy of connection in a welcoming, natural setting.
The size of our communication workshop is limited to provide 1:1 lessons for our spellers and coaching support for communication partners. There are many opportunities to try new activities in a nurturing environment and create lasting friendships and memories.
Communication Workshop Goals
We want to give everyone who has an interest in learning about text-based communication an opportunity to learn, live and in person. We also want to provide the personal coaching that I found so helpful when I was learning with Jakob and Andrew.
I love that I get to expand on the work that I do as an autism therapist with people I love and who are passionate about helping autistic people fully express themselves.
Our goal is to create an environment where all unique behaviors are welcomed, and everyone feels supported wherever they are in their communication journey.
Our communication workshops are appropriate for those at all levels of their text-based communication journey!
First time trying this out, or have no experience? Come right along and learn with us! Already have mastery over open-ended communication? Fantastic! Join us, make new friends, and be an inspiration to those just getting started!
Future Ohio 1 Day Speller Workshops
September 16th and 30th
October 28th
Below is a Sample Schedule of what to expect at our Communication Workshop:
10-10:30 AM: Regulation and Purposeful Movement at the Nature Center
We explore methods of self-regulation throughout the workshop so participants and communication partners learn how to support themselves or their partners during times of deregulation.
This can be different depending on the person, but often we find our aromatherapy putty and nasal inhalers to be helpful self-regulation tools.
10:30-11:00 AM: Guided boardwalk and nature tour with Maumee Bay Naturalist, Devon Donnely.
We’ll bring letter boards into nature on this .25-mile hike.
11:00-11:30 AM: Return to Nature Center for Naturalist’s activity
11:30-12:30 PM: Spelling Activity
Each speller will be paired with one of our experienced communication staff, allowing you to observe and learn.
12:30-1:30 PM: Picnic Lunch outside area near Nature Center
1:30-2:00 PM: Intentional movement and regulation with music
2:00-3:00 PM: Spelling Activity
Allowing you to act as the communication partner with coaching from our team.
3:00-4:00 PM: Purposeful Movement Activity
2:00–4:00 PM: A mile recumbent bike ride
Includes breaks and opportunities to communicate with letter boards.
4:00-4:30 PM: End the day with a little celebration!
In case of inclement weather, we will have rainy day activities available, such as, indoor volleyball, pickleball, cornhole, and camp games. All activities can be adapted to participants’ needs.
Explore additional information or register at: 1 Day Spellers Ohio Connection Workshop.
To your wellness,
Susan