🌿 Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Nurturing NonspeakingCommunicators.
I coach individuals who are Nonspeaking or who have minimal or unreliable speech the purposeful motor skill of pointing to a letter board as an alternative means of communication. The method I use is called Spelling to Communicate (S2C).
The goal is to use spelling as communication to increase your quality of life, by accessing more self expression and independence. I am based in Ōtautahi / Christchurch, New Zealand.
✓ Certified S2C Practitioner
Hi, I’m Maraed
I am a Certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, offering flexible, home and clinic based sessions around the wider Canterbury region.
Communication is a fundamental human right. I believe everybody should have access to communication tools. We all have thoughts, feelings and opinions waiting to be expressed!
I’m privileged to work with students of all ages and at all stages of their communication journey. I also work part-time as an Art Facilitator, so I love to incorporate creativity into my S2C lessons as much as possible!
Images from Left: A group S2C lesson at Spellers Camp NZ in collaboration with First Step Outdoors (Photo Credit: Emily Chalk Photography) Right: Maraed outside her office holding a blue 26 letter laminate board. Photo Credit: River Dantzler
The Method
What is Spelling to Communicate?
S2C empowers nonspeakers to overcome communication barriers by shifting focus from speech production which is fine motor, to purposeful gross motor skills of pointing at a letter board. The method promotes synchrony between cognitive and motor systems. Through repeated practice, new neural pathways become myelinated, providing a reliable way to express language and unlock communication.
In S2C we presume competence. In S2C our policy is that we never turn any nonspeaker away. Nonspeakers have nothing to prove to “earn” our belief and commitment. 
Sessions
What can I expect during an S2C Session?
A session involves an age-appropriate, interesting and fun topic as written lesson. The lesson is broken down into chunks where the practitioner reads a chunk and then we work towards the student spelling, in a back and forth format. The practitioner works with each student where they are at – teaching the motor skills of pointing at the letters, and building tolerance for sitting with the letterboards in front of them. I may use a range of sensory regulating techniques – fidget toys, body engagers, physical movement, music and art supplies are all things you may find in our sessions!
Book Online
Ready to Get Started?
Choose a time that works for you.
My practice is based in Opawa, and I can also travel across the wider Ōtautahi/Christchurch region depending on availability.
If you are outside of Canterbury, I may be able to accomodate within the South Island, or I can refer you to a practitioner who is able to do online sessions.
Get in Touch
Any Questions?
You can send me an email: hello@spellersnest.com
The best place to learn more about spelling as a mode of communication is from the community themselves. There are so many nonspeakers around the world using spelling to share their insights into their unique lived experiences.
For the latest resources and FAQ about S2C I suggest heading to I-ASC (International Association of Spelling as Communication).
I look forward to hearing from you!