Empowered Voices

Empowered Voices has a Newsletter! Please enjoy our first volume of what will be a regular Newsletter. This project gives our spellers opportunities for meaningful writing and to have their voices be heard.

Special shout out to this edition's contributing spellers!

Reading this acrostic poem written by Speller, Nina Cassetta really has us in the feels! Everyone here at Empowered Voices is so passionate about and proud of our mission. We love hearing about how this mission has positively impacted the lives of our spellers and community!

If you know of anyone who has developed recent doubts about spelling or its efficacy (thanks to that tragedy of a NYT article), please have them read the content below written by Dr. Prizant - an SLP of over 50 years, an ASHA honors recipient, and one of the most respected professionals in autism communication.

Spelling IS valid communication 💪

Opinion | Profound Autism Is Difficult Enough Without This Debunked Method (Gift Article) Study after study has called facilitated communication into question.

As we move into the month of Mother's Day, this poem written by speller, Timothy, is a beautiful reminder of just how much we adore our mothers!

We are SO proud of this team for completing the Uprising 1.31 mile walk for Autism!

We want to give a special thank you to all of our generous donors, and to Coach Joe for inviting us to join in on this wonderful event.

It was such a privilege to help fundraise for EmpowerU Specialty Fitness and the Eagles Autism Foundation

Nobody walks alone 🤍🦅

📣 Local Families & Friends:

On Saturday, April 18th, Empowered Voices will be participating in the UPRISING 5K & Walk for Autism in West Chester!

This is a high-energy, community-driven event supporting inclusive fitness and wellness programs for individuals with autism and intellectual & developmental disabilities.

In addition to us, this event will benefit:

• Empower U Specialty Fitness EmpowerU Specialty Fitness
• Eagles Autism Foundation College Program at WCU Eagles Autism Foundation @ WCU
• The Eagles Autism Foundation Eagles Autism Foundation

Registrants have the option of participating in either a 5K or 1.31 mile walk (representing the 1 in 31 individuals diagnosed with ASD).

We would LOVE for you to join our team!

Here are the steps to register -

1. Scan the QR code on the flyer (2nd slide), or copy & paste/click this link:

https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/WestChester/TheUprising5KAnd36MileWalkForAutism?raceRefCode=G25xXMwG

2. Select “Top Fundraisers” from the donate tab.

3. Find “Empowered Voices” under teams.

4. Join the team!

After the race, we invite you to join us at Everhart Park for a community celebration featuring music, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Our goal is to create a space where participants, families, and supporters can connect, celebrate, and continue building an inclusive community.

Questions? Please email [email protected] or [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

April has arrived! Please enjoy this holiday mash up of acrostic poems written by spellers Joey & Jacob