There’s a quiet revolution underway, and it’s changing the world for non-speakers. Across the globe, individuals once thought to be trapped in silence are proving that they have voices—powerful, intelligent, and deeply insightful voices. This movement, led by non-speakers and their families, is a long-overdue reckoning with society’s outdated biases and assumptions.
But revolutions rarely happen without resistance. Non-speakers and their advocates face an uphill battle, not just against societal misunderstandings but also against questionable critiques that attempt to discredit their voices. It’s time to push back against these barriers and focus on what truly matters: empowering non-speakers to communicate authentically and independently.
At the forefront of this revolution is a new framework called Autonomous Cognitive Communication (ACC). This innovative concept provides a unifying lens for understanding and supporting non-speakers, emphasizing autonomy, intentionality, and the power of communication. And as ACC grows, so does the practice of “CC-ing”—actively supporting and amplifying the voices of those using these methods.
The Power of Presuming Competence
Presuming competence is the foundation of Autonomous Cognitive Communication. Too often, non-speakers are judged by their lack of speech, with society assuming they don’t understand or think critically. But competence isn’t something you can measure by outward behavior alone.
Stone, my 19-year-old son, has shown me just how powerful presuming competence can be. Before he started spelling, his thoughts were locked inside, misunderstood by the world around him. Now, through spelling—a key tool of ACC—he shares his ideas, his humor, and his dreams. One of his biggest goals? To attend Harvard. Stone’s journey proves that when we presume competence, we unlock not just potential but profound transformation.
What Is Autonomous Cognitive Communication?
Autonomous Cognitive Communication (ACC) is a paradigm that challenges traditional views of communication by emphasizing autonomy, intentionality, and the use of tools tailored to each individual’s unique strengths. At its core, ACC is about empowering individuals to express their authentic selves.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is one method within this framework. While S2C is sometimes compared to Facilitated Communication (FC), the two are distinct. FC involves a communication partner providing physical support to varying degrees, whereas S2C focuses on creating an environment that supports regulation and motor planning. For Stone and many others, this approach has meant greater independence and clarity in expressing their thoughts.
What makes ACC particularly exciting is its versatility—not just as a communication method but as a movement. To “CC” means to engage fully with the process, to advocate for autonomy, and to amplify the voices of Cognitive Communicators.
Real-World Success Stories
The most compelling evidence for ACC isn’t found in a lab—it’s in the stories of non-speakers thriving in their own lives. Stone is one of many Cognitive Communicators redefining what’s possible. From excelling in academics to co-hosting a podcast, he’s proving that communication isn’t limited by traditional methods.
Across the world, CC-ers are writing poetry, starting businesses, and even leading advocacy efforts. They’re part of a growing wave of individuals showing that communication is as diverse and unique as the people who use it.
Moving Forward with Urgency
Every day, non-speakers are denied access to communication tools because of skepticism or fear of stepping outside traditional norms. But ACC challenges us to act now, rather than waiting for perfect validation.
For Stone, being able to spell his thoughts was a life-changing moment. It gave him the freedom to express himself, to dream big, and to connect with the world around him. For every non-speaker still waiting for their breakthrough, we have a moral obligation to move forward—with urgency and compassion.
A Call to Believe and Act
This is more than a revolution—it’s a movement for equity, inclusion, and understanding. Autonomous Cognitive Communication is the future, and it’s already transforming lives. But to fully realize its potential, we need to break down barriers, embrace innovation, and presume competence in every interaction.
The question isn’t whether non-speakers have something to say—it’s whether we’re ready to listen. Through ACC, we have the tools to amplify their voices authentically and powerfully. If you’re still unsure, ask yourself: What if we’re wrong about what non-speakers can achieve? The cost of underestimating them is far too high.
Let’s make this revolution unstoppable. Let’s make CC-ing the norm.
