communication is a human right.
about.
Spellingway strives to provide an inclusive, creative, and healing environment for non/minimal/unreliable-speaking autistic individuals and their caregivers.​​​​
​​​Through skilled programming, strong partnerships, and sustainable nonprofit practices, Spellingway is poised to champion voices—spelled rather than spoken—and create meaningful community transformation.
SPELLING
Spellingway will provide funding for parents to access free letterboards and to help pay for initial practitioner fees.
SUPPORT GROUP
Spellingway will provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to exchange advice, listening ears, and compassion.
COMMUNITY
Spellingway will plan activities, workshops, social events and more, for our Spellers to build community.
recruitment
Interested in becoming a Spelling Practitioner? We offer guidance, information, and scholarships / funding.
our why & our who.
Spellingway is the result of Luke Verhoeff’s awakening.
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At 19 years old, Luke was finally released from being trapped in his own mind.
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Luke was misdiagnosed at age 3.5 with mild-to-moderate autism and
a global developmental delay which wrongly labelled him as cognitively impaired. This label lowered everyone’s expectations of Luke for 19 years. He was undervalued and exposed only to the very basics of education with a constant emphasis on life skills and elementary school basics from Kindergarten until Grade 11.
The spelling letterboard certified program released Luke from his trapped mind. Luke is smart, hears better than a whale, understands many languages, and is an eloquent writer. He is now an advocate, a poet, and has just begun his university education. He is also a cast member on the CBC GEM TV show The Assembly, thrilled to be able to raise awareness for letterboards!
Luke wants to share that this certified program is a successful method of communication for all non/minimal/unreliable-speaking autistics. Please share with families and individuals that you think might benefit from this program.
Spellingway is here to provide financial—and emotional—supports for all Spellers and their families.
Follow Luke's story at thisisluke.ca​
how can you help?
Please share this website, Luke’s website and/or Luke’s social media platforms with families and individuals that you think might benefit from this society. Thank you!​
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