Spellers Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Speller Advisory Committee of Tucson Spellers is to promote the voices of the nonspeaking community in Tucson and Southern Arizona. We meet monthly to manage our loving activities. We review past ones. We decide on new ones. And, we make adjustments to enhance friendship in our pleasant meetings. We strive to reach all non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals and all are welcome with no judgement. Tucson Spellers operates in respect of the people they serve.  So nicely take our words to heart and honor them.

Ashton Curtis

I am a non-speaking 26-year-old who lives in Tucson.
I learned to communicate on a letter board in 2024. Since then, my life has changed drastically. I can now achieve goals that never seemed possible.  Currently, I am a service missionary for my Church. This would not have been possible without communication skills.
My mission is to help other non-speakers become free from silence. I love spelling and serving on the Tucson Spellers advisory board. I also love to hear stories about spellers.

Ethan Jackson

My name is Ethan and I’m nonspeaking. I live in Tucson Arizona. Having apraxia means my body doesn’t always look like everyone else’s. It doesn’t mean I am not in here. It may seem like I'm not aware of everything around me, but I’m more aware than many people are. 
In my opinion nonspeakers are the most brilliant and sensitive people that exist. That’s why I love being a part of the speller advisory board. The task of being a board member is immensely important. I love mentoring new or younger spellers. Being a part of the board also allows me to learn how to collaborate with others. I get to be a part of planning our events which is truly an honor. 
I love nature, poetry, adventure, my friends and my family. I aspire to be a well known author someday. College education is another dream of mine. 
It's not easy to communicate letter by letter, it takes tons of hard work and patience. To go through life as a nonspeaker isn’t without its challenges, but it is a gift. Being a nonspeaker doesn't mean I can't do hard things. I am strong and can do anything I put my mind to.

Joshua Greiner

I am a nonspeaking autistic man. 
​I’m testing a high level of hope in the world. I believe in kindness, respect and love for everyone. It really helps to uplift the hopes of people with autism. They deserve to be given the kindness of people just like everyone else. 
I primarily enjoy spending time in nature. I love the hopeful insights I get when surrounded by the trees. To go to the mountains or the beach are my church. God is there quietly listening to my thoughts for people be kind.

Niko Tax

I am Niko Tax. I am a non-speaker who has worked extremely hard to master my true voice on a letterboard. My thoughts and ideas now hold real power. My goal is to spread this community's message about spellers and our friendship. I am able to participate and be heard on the Spellers Advisory Board.  My opinion is expected and valued. Everything is run by us spellers. That is real inclusion.

Puru Sharma

My name is Puru Sharma. Having a voice through typing is a big game changer in my life. It’s been a long time of silence in my world. I’m thrilled to now be part of something so noteworthy. Knowing that more nonspeakers are getting much needed help burns a fire of love in my heart. The ability to support others like me is a dream. I’m blessed that this community exists.