Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-24

RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION

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On 2026-09-24, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION" in the House.

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RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E969] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Association for Spelling as Communication, known as I- ASC, for its work supporting nonspeaking individuals and their families and advancing communication access, inclusion, agency, and autonomy. Founded in 2019, I-ASC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance communication access for nonspeaking individuals through training, education, advocacy, and research. The organization brings together nonspeaking self-advocates, families, practitioners, researchers, and allies around the shared goal of expanding opportunities for individuals who cannot reliably use speech as their primary means of communication. I-ASC supports augmentative and alternative communication, with a particular focus on spelling and typing. The organization also provides practitioner training in Spelling to Communicate, or S2C, a methodology developed to teach nonspeaking individuals to communicate by pointing to letters. Central to I-ASC's work is a belief that communication access can open doors to greater participation in education, employment, relationships, and community life. Its programs seek to ensure that nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals have opportunities to communicate and exercise greater agency in their own lives. I especially commend I-ASC for elevating the perspectives of nonspeaking individuals themselves. The organization's Nonspeaking Leadership Council provides nonspeaking adults with a formal role advising I-ASC's leadership and helping shape its work. This commitment reflects an important principle for all of us who work in public service: policies and programs affecting people with disabilities should be informed by their experiences and perspectives. Here in Northern Virginia and across the country, families of people with disabilities are powerful advocates for their loved ones. Organizations like I-ASC help build communities where families can find resources, education, and connections while working toward a future in which individuals with disabilities can participate more fully in every aspect of community life. As we continue working to make our schools, workplaces, public spaces, and institutions more accessible, we must remember that accessibility includes communication. Every individual deserves dignity, respect, and meaningful opportunities to participate in the decisions and communities that shape their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the International Association for Spelling as Communication and the nonspeaking individuals, families, practitioners, advocates, and community members who contribute to its work. I wish I-ASC continued success as it works to advance communication access and inclusion for nonspeaking people. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E969] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPELLING AS COMMUNICATION ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Association for Spelling as Communication, known as I- ASC, for its work supporting nonspeaking individuals and their families and advancing communication access, inclusion, agency, and autonomy. Founded in 2019, I-ASC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance communication access for nonspeaking individuals through training, education, advocacy, and research. The organization brings together nonspeaking self-advocates, families, practitioners, researchers, and allies around the shared goal of expanding opportunities for individuals who cannot reliably use speech as their primary means of communication. I-ASC supports augmentative and alternative communication, with a particular focus on spelling and typing. The organization also provides practitioner training in Spelling to Communicate, or S2C, a methodology developed to teach nonspeaking individuals to communicate by pointing to letters. Central to I-ASC's work is a belief that communication access can open doors to greater participation in education, employment, relationships, and community life. Its programs seek to ensure that nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals have opportunities to communicate and exercise greater agency in their own lives. I especially commend I-ASC for elevating the perspectives of nonspeaking individuals themselves. The organization's Nonspeaking Leadership Council provides nonspeaking adults with a formal role advising I-ASC's leadership and helping shape its work. This commitment reflects an important principle for all of us who work in public service: policies and programs affecting people with disabilities should be informed by their experiences and perspectives. Here in Northern Virginia and across the country, families of people with disabilities are powerful advocates for their loved ones. Organizations like I-ASC help build communities where families can find resources, education, and connections while working toward a future in which individuals with disabilities can participate more fully in every aspect of community life. As we continue working to make our schools, workplaces, public spaces, and institutions more accessible, we must remember that accessibility includes communication. Every individual deserves dignity, respect, and meaningful opportunities to participate in the decisions and communities that shape their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the International Association for Spelling as Communication and the nonspeaking individuals, families, practitioners, advocates, and community members who contribute to its work. I wish I-ASC continued success as it works to advance communication access and inclusion for nonspeaking people. ____________________