Empowered Voices

🌎 Do you have a homeschooled speller in the Greater Philadelphia Area?

This fall, Empowered Voices in Wayne, PA is offering a 16-week, in-person High School Cultural Studies course designed for spelling communicators.

Exploring World Cultures Through Geography, History, Arts, Beliefs & Daily Life will take students on a journey through eight regions of the world while exploring the people, places, traditions, histories, and ideas that shape cultures around the globe.

📚 More than an enrichment class.
This is a structured, high school-level academic course that can complement a student's homeschool Social Studies curriculum. Throughout the semester, students will create a World Culture Passport Portfolio, Cultural Journal, and final reflection—providing families with a tangible record of learning that can be included in a homeschool portfolio and used for evaluations where applicable.

💬 And academics are only part of it.

One of the things we value most at Empowered Voices is giving spellers opportunities to learn with other spellers.

Students will have time to discuss ideas, share opinions, laugh, connect, and build friendships with peers who communicate like they do. Our goal is to create a space where spellers can experience both meaningful academics and genuine peer connection.

🌍 8 world regions
📖 High school-level Cultural Studies/Social Studies
🗣️ Designed for spelling communicators
🤝 Small-group peer learning & social connection
📍 In person at Empowered Voices in Wayne, PA
📅 Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM | September–December

Who is a good fit?
To participate successfully in this small-group setting, spellers should:

✨ Be generally regulated and able to participate in a group environment. We understand that minor dysregulation happens and does not preclude participation.

✨ Be open on the boards and able to communicate their thoughts and responses with appropriate support.

What about Communication Partners?
Communication Partners are welcome! We want students to have the communication support they need to participate fully in class.

When possible, we encourage students to attend with a Communication Partner who is not their parent. This helps preserve one of the special aspects of the group: giving spellers an opportunity to learn, socialize, and build friendships with peers with greater independence from their parents.

We also understand that this isn't possible for every family, and exceptions can absolutely be discussed. Please reach out so we can talk about your speller's individual communication and support needs.

Interested in learning more or wondering if this group might be a good fit for your speller?

💌 Send us a DM or email [email protected]. We’d be happy to connect, answer questions, and talk about whether the course is a good fit.

Come explore the world—and find your community along the way. 🌎

A new month means a poem! Enjoy Augusts post by Colin

🇺🇸 As we reflect on **America's 250th anniversary**, we're reminded that the freedoms we celebrate came at a great cost.

This powerful poem by Colin Pryor honors those who sacrificed, endured, and fought so future generations could live in freedom. His words serve as a timely reminder that liberty is never free—it is earned through courage and preserved through sacrifice.

Thank you, Colin, for this meaningful tribute.

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