Join Tucson Spellers for a Valentine’s Day–themed community hike. We’ll begin by gathering at the picnic tables to enjoy Valentine-themed snacks and connection before heading out for a relaxed group walk through the park. The afternoon will include a simple, inclusive Valentine activity at the park’s meditation labyrinth, where spellers will choose or generate a meaningful word or short phrase to be written on painted rocks with CRP support and placed thoughtfully along the path. This speller-centered event is designed to be low-pressure and accessible, with options for open and non-open spellers alike, and will conclude with a gentle walk along the creek and trails surrounded by Tucson’s natural beauty.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Join us for the next Tucson Spellers community hike as we keep the momentum going from our last outing. Participants should park along Woodland Road directly in front of Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT), located at 8920 E Woodland Road, Tucson, AZ 85749, with the trailhead beginning just east of TROT for an easy and familiar meetup spot. This will be a relaxed, community-centered hike focused on connection, fresh air, and spending time together on the trail with the Tucson Spellers crew.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Join us for another exciting Tucson Spellers meet-up at the Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports Center! This non-sponsored community event offers a wonderful opportunity for spellers and their families to enjoy adaptive biking in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The center provides a variety of adaptive bikes, including:
• 3-4 side-by-side tandem bikes
• 2 front-and-back tandem bikes
• 20 solo recumbent bikes

One of the standout features of the tandem bikes is that they can be ridden with only one rider pedaling, allowing a speller to ride alongside a support rider as needed. This ensures accessibility and makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Community Meet-Up Disclaimer

While this event may include members of the Tucson Spellers community, it is not an official Tucson Spellers-sponsored event.

Tucson Spellers is not responsible for the planning, coordination, or content of this event.

Please participate at your own discretion and connect directly with the host for any details or questions.

We love to see our community connect—and this is one of many ways Spellers and families build friendships outside of our programming!

Tucson Spellers will be gathering for Songwriters Central on Thursday, January 15 from 6:30–9:30 PM at Monterey Court (505 W Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ). Hosted by Jonathan Frahm, this monthly round-robin forum features singer-songwriters sharing their original compositions in a welcoming, inclusive setting. Community members are invited to join for dinner and/or snacks while enjoying the live music together. This is a free event, and attendees are encouraged to support the Monterey Court café during the evening.

Join us for another exciting Tucson Spellers meet-up at the Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports Center! This non-sponsored community event offers a wonderful opportunity for spellers and their families to enjoy adaptive biking in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The center provides a variety of adaptive bikes, including:
• 3-4 side-by-side tandem bikes
• 2 front-and-back tandem bikes
• 20 solo recumbent bikes

One of the standout features of the tandem bikes is that they can be ridden with only one rider pedaling, allowing a speller to ride alongside a support rider as needed. This ensures accessibility and makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Community Meet-Up Disclaimer

While this event may include members of the Tucson Spellers community, it is not an official Tucson Spellers-sponsored event.

Tucson Spellers is not responsible for the planning, coordination, or content of this event.

Please participate at your own discretion and connect directly with the host for any details or questions.

We love to see our community connect—and this is one of many ways Spellers and families build friendships outside of our programming!

Tucson Spellers invites our community to a special Hiking Club gathering at Sweetwater Wetlands. This gentle, relaxed walk is especially meaningful as we come together to support Dylan, giving him the opportunity to enjoy one more hike before surgery, surrounded by friends, fresh air, and the strength of community. Come as you are, stay as long as you’d like, and join us for an afternoon centered on connection, care, and being together.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

We will be meeting in the Parking lot of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. And from there we will decide as a group where to hike!

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Details to come!

Details to come!

Tucson Spellers and Teva Community are thrilled to co-host a sensory-friendly movie event to watch Wicked: For Good as we reunite to celebrate the powerful conclusion of this beloved story of friendship. Last year, our community gathered to enjoy the first part of the film, and we are excited to come together once again to experience the ending side by side. This accessible and welcoming screening is designed with our Spellers in mind, offering a comfortable environment so everyone can relax and enjoy the show. Popcorn and a drink will be provided for all Spellers, making it a fun and memorable afternoon together. Join us as we share in the magic, connection, and joy of this long-awaited sequel!

Join us for a warm and welcoming Friendsgiving celebration at Ashton’s house. We’ll gather in gratitude to honor the friendships that make our community so special while enjoying a Thanksgiving-style potluck dinner—please bring a favorite dish to share. Live, non-amplified music will add to the cozy atmosphere, and for those who enjoy a little playful fun, we’ll have a pumpkin-smashing launcher available (feel free to bring old Halloween pumpkins; extras will be provided). The hot tub will also be open for anyone who’d like to relax. We look forward to a joyful afternoon of connection, laughter, and thankfulness!

Join folksinger Brian Laidlaw of Unrestricted Interest in these small group songwriting sessions. Open-ended spellers will have the opportunity to work on collaborative songwriting skills with their peers, followed by a mini concert. Spellers must bring their own communication partners.

Following up on a memorable event here in 2023, Brian Laidlaw returns to the Poetry Center to perform a set of new songs composed by nonspeaking autistic lyricists. 

In collaboration with Unrestricted Interest, an organization offering mentorship to neurodivergent writers, these spellers (whose motor-control challenges prevent them from reliably speaking aloud, but who use keyboards or letterboards to communicate eloquently in writing) have amassed a remarkable body of work in recent years. Their songs illustrate a thrilling variety of embodiments and consciousnesses, and, in the process, gently correct the misconceptions that many neurotypicals have about autism and disability. These songs capture an extended spectrum of human experience, silly and sublime, visionary and irreverent, celebrating all the ways a mind can rock and roll. 

The set will include songs by several Arizonan spellers, some of which were written during songwriting retreats at Teva Community. Teva is a nonprofit organization in Prescott, Arizona creating opportunities for nonspeaking autistic individuals to live, work, and participate in creative expression, and engage in all aspects of society. 

This gorgeous and adventurous (moderate) 3.7 mi loop route combines a series of trails in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. This hike begins along the Sabino Walkway and soon connects to the Esperero Trail. There are several short and sweet inclines before the descent towards the river on the Rattlesnake Trail. The water crossing can be pretty broad and deep depending on the time of year. Take in the beautiful views at Sabino Lake before completing the loop.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Join us for the Tucson Spellers Halloween Party & Trivia Night! The evening will feature both Halloween-themed and general trivia accessible to all spellers at every level, along with pizza, treats, and plenty of festive fun. Costumes are encouraged, and everyone is welcome to celebrate with community, laughter, and a little spooky spirit!

This gorgeous and adventurous (moderate) 3.7 mi loop route combines a series of trails in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. This hike begins along the Sabino Walkway and soon connects to the Esperero Trail. There are several short and sweet inclines before the descent towards the river on the Rattlesnake Trail. The water crossing can be pretty broad and deep depending on the time of year. Take in the beautiful views at Sabino Lake before completing the loop.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Enjoy this 1.1-mile loop trail near Tucson, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 19 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are November through May. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. This is a great wide path for walking around the wetlands and observing wildlife. There is a lot of shade available too. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type. Accessible Parking: Number of designated accessible spaces: 2 at the trailhead; Number of van-accessible spaces with access aisles: 2; Parking lot surface: paved.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Mark your calendars!

Tucson Spellers presents Building Bridges: Rethinking Apraxia, Movement & Communication — a dynamic conference for families, professionals, and allies of non-speaking individuals.

More details coming soon… but trust us, you’ll want to be in the room.

Join us on Saturday, September 20th at 10:00 AM at the Rose Canyon Lake Amphitheater on Mt. Lemmon for a very special Tucson Spellers community event. Thanks to our amphitheater rental, all cars will have free entry and parking. We’ll begin the morning with the introduction to our Online Poetry Writing Workshop, led by University of Arizona Poetry Center resident teaching artist Jesse Cramer. We are honored to partner with Jesse and the Poetry Center’s team of talented writers, who bring Tucson’s vibrant literary scene to life with innovative, contemporary literature and foundational writing techniques. We also invite spellers who would like to share their own poetry to bring a piece to read in the beautiful mountain setting.

Afterward, those who want to continue the day outdoors can join our Hiking Club for a walk on one of several nearby trails within walking distance of the amphitheater. Please bring a packed lunch and water (extra water and snacks will be provided). Rose Canyon Campground is located just 17 miles northeast of Tucson, off the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive, near the summit of Mt. Lemmon. Come celebrate community, creativity, and nature with us!

Get to know this 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Nogales, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

Sonoita Creek Trail is a flat trail with lots of shade along the creek. It is a peaceful trail with beautiful natural surroundings. The area is particularly famous for birding due to its diverse birdlife. If you are lucky, you can see some wildlife, too, such as deer and wild turkey.

There is plenty of parking at the start.

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Bat 🦇 Night

Hi everyone! We’re excited to announce a special Bat Night happening on Tuesday, August 19th at 6:45 PM, near Campbell and River.

We’ll be meeting at the Pima County Cooperative Extension (4210 N. Campbell Ave.) and gathering under the whimsical bat sculpture at the entrance (see photos for reference).

🍕 Pizza will be provided, and a U of A graduate student will be joining us to share fun and fascinating facts about bats.

We’ll start gathering at 6:45 PM and the event will run until about 7:30–8:00 PM, depending on how long you’d like to stay.

This will be a great chance to learn, eat, and spend time together as a community—so mark your calendars and don’t miss it!

Community Meet-Up Disclaimer
While this event may include members of the Tucson Spellers community, it is not an official Tucson Spellers-sponsored event.
Tucson Spellers is not responsible for the planning, coordination, or content of this event.
Please participate at your own discretion and connect directly with the host for any details or questions.
We love to see our community connect—and this is one of many ways Spellers and families build friendships outside of our programming!

Join us for a transformative art series led by acclaimed artist Matthew Palmo (www.palmoart.com)(www.indicatorArt.org). This inclusive experience is designed for artists of all abilities to create an original abstract painting using an intuitive, individualized approach.

This is not a traditional art class. Each participant will work independently on a unique piece, supported by Matthew’s one-on-one guidance. No two paintings will be the same. The process honors each artist’s voice and style, emphasizing that limitations can become strengths in the creative process.

A third session will include an online art critique by professional artists. Date and time to be announced.

This three-day art experience is valued at $114, a prorated portion of the typical $190 program—Tucson Spellers is covering that cost, with just a $20 contribution requested to help cover supplies.

This experience is open to Spellers of all artistic backgrounds and is designed to be fully accessible and empowering.

Join us for a transformative art series led by acclaimed artist Matthew Palmo (www.palmoart.com)(https://www.indicatorart.org) . This inclusive experience is designed for artists of all abilities to create an original abstract painting using an intuitive, individualized approach.

This is not a traditional art class. Each participant will work independently on a unique piece, supported by Matthew’s one-on-one guidance. No two paintings will be the same. The process honors each artist’s voice and style, emphasizing that limitations can become strengths in the creative process.

A third session will include an online art critique by professional artists. Date and time to be announced.

This three-day art experience is valued at $114, a prorated portion of the typical $190 program—Tucson Spellers is covering that cost, with just a $20 contribution requested to help cover supplies.

This experience is open to Spellers of all artistic backgrounds and is designed to be fully accessible and empowering.

Join us for a Tucson Spellers Hiking Club adventure on the Meadow Trail #5A at Mt. Lemmon. This 1.9-mile out-and-back trail is generally considered easy, with a downhill start and an uphill return, and offers beautiful views of Tucson Valley and Oracle/San Manuel. Expect rocky terrain, summer wildflowers, and plenty of green foliage. After we hike as much as desired we can meet back at the trailhead for another picnic lunch. There should be ample parking, restrooms, and picnic benches at the trailhead—be sure to bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Drive East on Speedway (5.0 miles)

• Left on Wilmot and continue on Tanque Verde (4.3 miles)

• Left on Catalina Highway (29.1 miles)

• Turn right on Ski Run Road (2.7 miles). Note that 1.4 miles up Ski Run Road at Ski Valley and the Iron Door Restaurant there is a gate that is closed seasonally that blocks the last 1.7 miles of the road (Lemmon Rock Road) - when the gate is closed foot traffic up the road is still allowed but consider using the Aspen Draw Trail to access this area (it won't save you time compared to walking the road but has good parking in Summerhaven and is very beautiful!)

• Continue 0.2 miles past the Summit Trailhead (a gravel parking area on the down-mountain side of the road) to the Mount Lemmon Recreation Area. The trailhead is near a fenced in power station - there is a (normally) closed gate into the Mount Lemon Observatory Area just after the turn for the trailhead - if you drive into the fenced in Mount Lemon Observatory Area you have gone too far...

The Tucson Spellers Hiking Club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow spellers while exploring the breathtaking outdoor scenery of Tucson. With its stunning landscapes, fresh air, and beautiful weather, Tucson offers the perfect backdrop for group hikes. Each hike will vary in location and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging trek, this club is a great way to build friendships, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of the desert together!

Join us for an exciting 2-hour rock climbing adventure at Rock Solid Indoor Climbing Gym, generously co-hosted by TEVA! This is a wonderful opportunity to challenge your body, engage your brain, and experience the thrill of climbing in a safe and supportive environment alongside friends.

Participants will begin with a safety orientation led by Rock Solid’s professional and highly trained staff. Climbers will then take turns roping up and scaling the walls, with staff providing individual attention, support, and guidance every step of the way.

Rock climbing is a fantastic full-body activity that promotes strength, coordination, focus, and confidence—all while having fun! Snacks and water will be provided to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the event. Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks or regulation tools as needed. 

Requirements: 

1. Each participant will be required to wear a harness and rock climbing shoes (gear will be provided). If the shoes are too challenging, participants MUST bring freshly washed closed-toed shoes. 

2. Each participant must have a helper present to provide any assistance or encouragement as needed (helpers are not required to climb). 

3. Each participant must have a signed waiver on file (waivers to be distributed upon sign-up) 

We can’t wait to see you there for this unique chance to try something new, build skills, and connect with friends in a safe and welcoming setting!

challenge your body, engage your brain, and experience the thrill of climbing in a safe and supportive environment alongside friends.

Participants will begin with a safety orientation led by Rock Solid’s professional and highly trained staff. Climbers will then take turns roping up and scaling the walls, with staff providing individual attention, support, and guidance every step of the way.

Rock climbing is a fantastic full-body activity that promotes strength, coordination, focus, and confidence—all while having fun! Snacks and water will be provided to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the event. Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks or regulation tools as needed. 

Requirements: 

1. Each participant will be required to wear a harness and rock climbing shoes (gear will be provided). If the shoes are too challenging, participants MUST bring freshly washed closed-toed shoes. 

2. Each participant must have a helper present to provide any assistance or encouragement as needed (helpers are not required to climb). 

3. Each participant must have a signed waiver on file (waivers to be distributed upon sign-up) 

We can’t wait to see you there for this unique chance to try something new, build skills, and connect with friends in a safe and welcoming setting!

Join us for an exciting 2-hour rock climbing adventure at Rock Solid Indoor Climbing Gym, generously co-hosted by TEVA! This is a wonderful opportunity to challenge your body, engage your brain, and experience the thrill of climbing in a safe and supportive environment alongside friends.

Participants will begin with a safety orientation led by Rock Solid’s professional and highly trained staff. Climbers will then take turns roping up and scaling the walls, with staff providing individual attention, support, and guidance every step of the way.

Rock climbing is a fantastic full-body activity that promotes strength, coordination, focus, and confidence—all while having fun! Snacks and water will be provided to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the event. Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks or regulation tools as needed. 

Requirements: 

1. Each participant will be required to wear a harness and rock climbing shoes (gear will be provided). If the shoes are too challenging, participants MUST bring freshly washed closed-toed shoes. 

2. Each participant must have a helper present to provide any assistance or encouragement as needed (helpers are not required to climb). 

3. Each participant must have a signed waiver on file (waivers to be distributed upon sign-up) 

We can’t wait to see you there for this unique chance to try something new, build skills, and connect with friends in a safe and welcoming setting!

Join Tucson Spellers for our June event—an evening of outdoor live music with Don Armstrong & the Whiskeypalians on Wednesday, June 25 from 6:30–9:00 PM! Enjoy original folk and Americana music in a unique historic venue turned restaurant and music courtyard. With shaded seating, cooling misters, and a gourmet menu of food and drinks, it's the perfect way to beat the heat and connect with our amazing community. RSVP here or in our Tucson Spellers WhatsApp community chat—join us there to stay in the loop!