Welcome

We offer inclusive communication coaching for the full spectrum of nonspeakers.

In science, a prism allows us to refract and demonstrate the wonders of colors inside of white light. Let spelling be the tool that shows the world what is truly inside of you.

Communication Beyond Speech

Humans are wired for communication, but that doesn’t have to mean just speech. Speech is not the only outlet for the thoughts, ideas, dreams, and goals that each of us contains in our expressive language.

Communication uses movement in any form. Nonspeakers can learn to point to letters on a letterboard to spell out each word they want to communicate. This process takes time, patience, coaching, and lots of at-home practice. The more a skill is practiced, the more efficient and effective the movements become.

About Us

At Prism Language, we believe in the power of communication for all. Our mission is to empower nonspeakers to express themselves fully and effectively through spelled communication. We provide personalized coaching and support to help nonspeakers and their families navigate the journey of learning this powerful communication method

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FAQs

Spelled communication is a system of coaching and prompting the brain and body to execute by pointing at letters on a letterboard to spell out any word needed.
Nonspeakers fall into three main categories:
- Unreliable speakers: Have a significant amount of speech but can’t always use it to reliably advocate for themselves or discuss higher cognitive concepts.
- Minimal speakers: Can and do speak some of their thoughts but are limited in their responses.
- Nonspeakers: Often able to vocalize some words or sounds but do not use speech as their primary form of communication.
All of these nonspeakers can benefit from spelled communication.
Spelling is a type of low-tech AAC. Any nonspeaker using a speech-generating device, PECS, or another type of AAC can and should continue using the method that offers them the most robust communication. Humans are all multi-modal communicators, using speech, body language, writing, texting, sign language, and other modalities. Nonspeakers deserve the same selection of options to express themselves.
No! While there is a lot of coaching involved to support the most efficient movements, there is no expectation that a nonspeaker will sit still and attend in a traditional sense. Our students often move about the room while we present a lesson and then follow our coaching to get their bodies ready to spell.
Based on the science of human language development, around 6 years old is a great time to get started. Some younger bodies are ready a bit earlier and others need a bit more time to get their brains and bodies connected. It is never too late to try, and there are literacy activities to incorporate at home for spelling preparation.
It is very hard to measure someone’s intelligence if their body doesn’t listen to their brain. Every current test we use to gauge a level of understanding requires the body to participate, whether it be speaking, choosing, writing, pointing, etc.
The overarching concept of spelled communication is the presumption of competence. This means we believe any nonspeaker we work with is capable of learning age-level content, understands what we are saying, and is ready for a challenge. This does not mean every nonspeaker is an outright genius, but it does mean they will be treated with respect and given exposure to what their peers are learning at the same level. Let your nonspeaker show you what they know!