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. 

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.

The Tucson Spellers Halloween Party — Trivia Night Edition — was an enormous success. From a no-hands donut-eating contest to intense rounds of tic-tac-toe and Connect Four, and an amazing multi-round trivia game with prizes, the evening was packed with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable moments. The room was full of cheering, strategizing, problem-solving, and friendly competition. We shared food, conversation, and meaningful connections, coming together to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the joy of simply being together. A heartfelt thank-you to the Nagy/Tax family for so generously hosting this incredible event.

🌲✨ Poetry in the Pines ✨🌲 What an amazing event last Saturday—hearing everyone’s beautiful poetry shared among the pines and fresh mountain air was truly incredible. 💙 Jesse has already sent the first set of prompts to kick off our 6-part workshop (two lessons a month for the next three months), and whether you joined us or not, you are welcome to participate! Please drop the email address you’d like Jesse’s lessons sent to (or email us at support@tucsonspellers.org), and we’ll also share a Google Doc where you can add your answers, reflections, and thoughts. Everyone is welcome!es here

Description goes here✨ What an incredible journey! ✨ Our 3-part Abstract Art Experience with the amazing Matthew Palmo and Indicator Art has come to a close, leaving us in awe of the creativity and beauty that poured out of this series. Matthew guided each artist to discover and express their unique vision, and we are so grateful to the professional artists who joined our final critique—their thoughtful insights and encouragement made our spellers and artists feel truly seen and celebrated. A huge thank you as well to the Autism Society of Southern Arizona for opening their welcoming space to us, making this event possible. And to our spellers and artists: you created masterpieces that reflect some of the most beautiful minds—we could not be more proud! 🎨

Exciting news! We’ve officially launched a Tucson Spellers WhatsApp Community Chat—a space for our amazing community to stay connected, share last-minute meetups, exciting plans, or something incredible your Speller voiced today. We’ve also created a separate group under the same Community Chat just for our Tucson Spellers Hiking Club, making it easy for hikers and their support teams to coordinate plans, rides, routes, and responses all in one place. These chats are all about making it easier to connect, support, and celebrate one another, so if you’d like to be added to either or both groups, please join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HJjxmY9nz1uLmmBjaWwQbO. Let’s keep building this beautiful, inclusive community—one message at a time.