What is Spelling/
S2C?
What is Spelling to Communicate or S2C?
What is S2C?
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a motor-based approach that teaches nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals to express their thoughts by pointing to letters.
It is grounded in the understanding that many nonspeakers experience a brain-body disconnect—meaning they often know what they want to say, but cannot reliably get their bodies to carry it out. This is not refusal or behavior; it is a motor coordination challenge.
S2C approaches communication through a new lens, focusing on building purposeful motor control rather than relying on speech. Individuals begin with a series of structured stencil boards and gradually progress to a full 26-letter board, then a laminated board, and eventually a keyboard, increasing independence and complexity over time.
Through consistent practice, meaningful lessons, and caregiver involvement, S2C supports individuals in developing a reliable, authentic voice while fostering connection, confidence, and autonomy.
Overview of Spelling to Communicate
Other Spelling Methods:
We are both trained and certified in Spelling to Communicate (S2C). While our primary training is in S2C, we recognize that there are other letterboard-based approaches, such as the Spellers Method and Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). Although we have not been formally trained in those methods, we deeply respect them and the individuals who practice them. At their core, all of these approaches share a fundamental belief in presuming competence and recognizing that every individual is capable of learning, growing, and expressing their thoughts when given the right support.