Lisa's Dedication to Nonspeakers Needs You

Hello! My name is Lisa Sprague. Thank you for taking the time to look at my proposal. I've agonized over how best to compose this for over a month, and today decided that I need to just jump in.

I am a 50-something previous career cellist and musician. I have spent the last 20 or so years trying to find a situation that would match with my skillsets and the things that I am passionate about. Community, connection, and being in contribution are my absolute priorities as I enter this latter chapter of life.

About 2 years ago I found that perfect match, when I learned about text based communication or Spelling as it commonly referred to. Spelling is when a trained partner supports and helps to regulate a nonspeaker/unreliable speaker (most commonly the Spellers have been given a double diagnosis of Autism and Apraxia) so that they may communicate their thoughts, feelings, goals and dreams. I wish to become one of those trained partners. To that end, I dove in headfirst, and have begun my training in the FLOURISH PRO program, offered by Autistically Inclined. (I could write 5,000 words and it would still not be enough to describe Spelling, or the incredible people who are learning this communication or their partners. A great jumping off point to learn about Spelling is the film SPELLERS, available for free on YouTube.)

I have started this campaign because in order for me to succeed in this, and help to unlock the voices of those who cannot speak, I need some assistance. I live in the SF Bay Area, and have spent the last 10 or so years as a gig economy worker. Even with my best efforts it will be impossible for me to succeed if needing to work in tandem with learning and training. The program I am in lasts 36 weeks, so I am looking for financial assistance during these months with basic expenses (rent, utilities, etc.), a basic laptop, and some supplies. I will continue to work during this time, but any funds raised will allow me to focus primarily on learning, and also doing outreach in the Autism/Apraxia communities. To me, this work is essential, and there is no time to waste.

I plan on dedicating the remainder of my working days to the community of Spellers. I have found such inspiration here and want nothing more than to be in contribution to it.

Lastly, while I have found the Communication Partners I've observed to be committed, talented and inspiring, it is the Spellers themselves who have driven me in my mission. There is nothing like seeing a Speller finally liberated, and able to express years of thoughts previously kept silent. These are some of the most brilliant minds I have seen. Ever. To a person, Spellers, once openly communicating express that their strongest desire is to help other nonspeakers find their voice. So, count me in. I want to help YOU with your mission. This GoFundMe will help me get there.

Thank you again for your time, and I encourage anyone not familiar with text based communication and Spellers to seek out this incredible community, and the work being done. Maybe you'll see me there, soon!

Lisa