Beyond Speech Initiative

05/22/2026

In 2 weeks! Don’t forget to RSVP by text: 330-299-5121. No cost. All family members welcome 💙

🦙 We are so excited for this one! Join us at Pure Passions Farm in Kent for a relaxed afternoon created especially for non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals and their families.

Expect alpacas and other animals to pet, popcorn + drinks, space to unwind, and a chance to connect with other families in the community. Siblings and whole families are absolutely welcome. 💙

📅 Saturday, June 6th
🕜 1:30–4:30 PM
📍 Pure Passions Farm | Kent, Ohio

✨ No charge to attend

📲 RSVP by texting 330-299-5121 and please include how many people will be attending.

Hosted by Beyond Speech Initiative (BSI)

05/21/2026

Zachary’s journey with Beyond Speech Initiative began the way the most meaningful things often do — through a relationship. After working with Tristian, a remarkable client who opened his eyes to the world of non-speaking individuals, Zachary discovered Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and never looked back. Introduced to S2C through the Telepathy Tapes, Zachary quickly developed a deep passion for amplifying the voices of those who have long gone unheard. Working alongside Tristian gave him a firsthand appreciation for the brilliance and depth that exists within every non-speaker — and a heart fully committed to making sure the world sees it too.
Zachary joined the board of Beyond Speech Initiative with a clear mission: to grow awareness around S2C and build meaningful connections within the community. He believes that every person deserves to be heard, and he is dedicated to helping create a world where that is possible.

05/20/2026

Michelle Cahoon came to Beyond Speech, referred by another family, to try Spelling 2 Communicate with my adult son. Tristan was diagnosed with Level 3 Autism and PICA in 2001.
We started Beyond Speech in 2025. What a difference it has made for him. His confidence, cognitive, and overall wellness. I have been working in and with disability-related organizations
since 2001, serving on committees and boards, or as an employee. I am excited to bring my knowledge to the BSI Board!

05/19/2026

Our mission is guided by learning about Apraxia from individuals who experience it 💙

This is why it is critical to presume competence & intelligence! We do not know how hard a person is working to express their thoughts. We do not know how hard a person is working to follow a direction. It may *look like* they’re ignoring, refusing, or don’t understand when it’s truly the brain-body disconnect.

Remember, when a person has Apraxia: ✨The insides (thoughts) often do NOT match the outsides (what a person says or does)✨

💡 Nearly 2/3 of Autistic individuals have Apraxia

***It’s important to note that the indicators of Apraxia are often misunderstood. They may present as social, behavioral and/or intellectual difficulties when the core difficulty is a lack of intentional motor control***

04/21/2026

Awesome support opportunities for Nonspeakers & their families!

04/21/2026

SO MUCH FUN! 💙

Tonight we had a community event for younger Nonspeakers & their parents. We loved seeing Nonspeakers connect with other Nonspeakers and parents talking with others who “get it.” Really grateful to for graciously hosting this!

We hope to see everyone at the Farm in June - stay tuned for upcoming events & opportunities! 😊

04/20/2026

🦙 We are so excited for this one! Join us at Pure Passions Farm in Kent for a relaxed afternoon created especially for non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals and their families.

Expect alpacas and other animals to pet, popcorn + drinks, space to unwind, and a chance to connect with other families in the community. Siblings and whole families are absolutely welcome. 💙

📅 Saturday, June 6th
🕜 1:30–4:30 PM
📍 Pure Passions Farm | Kent, Ohio

✨ No charge to attend

📲 RSVP by texting 330-299-5121 and please include how many people will be attending.

Hosted by Beyond Speech Initiative (BSI)

04/15/2026

We have a few spots left for our FREE Littles Event next Monday (4/20) from 5:00-6:00. has generously donated play time dedicated to Nonspeaking/Minimally Speaking kiddos (ideal age 4-7). There will be a maximum of 8 children during this play session and a chance for families to connect with one another. Please text 330-299-5121 to reserve your spot ASAP 😊

Can’t wait to connect with you in a sensory-friendly space! 💙

02/04/2026

Sammy Howard-Cantu, OTR/L - Board Member is a pediatric occupational therapist and the owner of We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Stow. For many years, she sensed a deep connection with the autistic individuals she supported and knew there was mutual understanding, yet felt that something about communication was still missing.
That perspective shifted after witnessing a Speller communicate during a session at Beyond Speech—an experience that transformed her understanding of communication and autism. Through her work at We Rock The Spectrum, Sammy now shares information about Spelling to Communicate (S2C) whenever possible and has seen firsthand how life-changing it can be for families. She is honored to support Beyond Speech and to be part of a movement that is redefining what it means to truly presume competence.

02/03/2026

Emma is an occupational therapist, clinical director, and Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner at Beyond Speech Therapy Center who is passionate about creating spaces where nonspeaking individuals are respected and given authentic opportunities to participate.. She brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her work with nonspeaking individuals. Living alongside a speller has deepened her understanding of the urgency and importance of access, respect, presuming competence, and building true connections. She is especially passionate about creating and launching new initiatives such as the Held and Heard support group that expand opportunities beyond one-on-one sessions to include group learning, peer support, and public awareness. On the board, she is dedicated to ensuring that nonspeaking individuals are not only empowered in their communication but also seen, valued, and embraced by their broader communities.