Spelling Practitioner Meghann Parkinson

David talks with Meghann Parkinson, a practice spelling practitioner who has been instrumental in helping non-speaking individuals communicate. They discuss Meghann's unique journey from working in a hair salon to becoming a critical member of the non-speaking community, particularly through the S2C (Spelling to Communicate) method. The conversation covers how Meghann integrates fun and games into communication practice, the importance of presuming competence, and the profound impact her work has had on families, including David's own son, Stone. Practical insights on the progression of learning to spell, the science and philosophy behind the method, and the role of emotional and cognitive support in this journey, make this episode a deep dive into the transformative power of effective communication strategies for non-speakers.   Topics   00:31 Meet Meghann Parkinson: A Key Family Member 02:04 The Journey of Spelling to Communicate 03:52 Meghann's Background and Entry into S2C 09:28 Challenges and Biases in the Field 11:21 The Importance of Presuming Competence 17:20 The Process of Learning to Spell 25:31 Challenges with Communication Methods 27:37 Progression with Letter Boards 29:04 Transformative Moments in Communication 31:20 Understanding Non-Speakers 34:24 Autism Fact or Fiction 36:41 Q&A with Meg 42:36 Tip of the Week: Fun and Games 44:30 Closing Remarks and Future Guests