About Us
Our Mission
What We Offer
What We Offer
To unlock voices, to foster friendships, and to promote lives of purpose for non speaking, minimally speaking and/or unreliably speaking teens and adults.
What We Offer
What We Offer
What We Offer
Real Voices of Philadelphia is a nonprofit learning group offering education and social connection for non-speakers. Young adults who type and spell to communicate gather to practice supported communication in an educational setting that offers lots of opportunities for cross talk.
Real Voices believes that dis-regulated movement (such as
Real Voices of Philadelphia is a nonprofit learning group offering education and social connection for non-speakers. Young adults who type and spell to communicate gather to practice supported communication in an educational setting that offers lots of opportunities for cross talk.
Real Voices believes that dis-regulated movement (such as spinning, grabbing, flapping, lack of eye contact or facial expression, and inability to generate meaningful speech) do not in any way indicate a lack of mental acuity. We presume competence - that is we assume that under any behaviors is a perfectly intelligent being.
Our Story
What We Offer
Our Story
Real Voices began as a dream that Owen Simons and his parents Wystan and Edward had, for a place that would be an academic and social bridge to the rest of the world. Owen was presumed intellectually disabled until May of 2018, when his voice was freed.
Contact Us Today!
We look forward to connecting with you!
For questions or to register for a course fill out the email us section below. Register now for Winter Session II -- starts February 11th!
Real Voices of Philadelphia
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Winter Session II Course Information
FRIDAY WINTER SESSION II CLASSES
Winter Session II - February Fridays
AM classes in the Science Experiments and the Scientific Method, and Essay Writing
PM classes offer Book Club and World Cultures: Africa - Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
Our Courses Designed for the older teen and adult learner (16+) who is non-speaking, minimally speaking or unreliably speaking. Students are free to use AAC, supported communication, letter boards, etc to participate. Each student must bring support staff for class - but we are here to help increase communication skills. The purpose of our work of is always self-expression.
Friday Session teacher Meghan Shupp, veteran special ed, homeschooling teacher and tutor, has years of experience in both education and supporting communication. Currently she is pursuing certification in S2C.
Dates and Times
WINTER SESSION II
FRIDAYS - February 3 - 24th, 2023
HOURS: AM Session 10-12noon
PM Session 1-3pm
Full Day 10-3 -with group lunch
Cost:
WINTER II SESSION:
AM Session - $200 - 4 mornings
Feel free to stay with us for lunch from 12-1pm (or come early to join us) and go for a walk in along bucolic Quarry Road above the Pennypack Creek.
PM Session - $200 - 4 afternoons
Full Day 10-3pm $300 - save $100
Learn with us all day and receive a $100 discount.
FAQs
Do we have to attend in person or is there a virtual option?
-There is a virtual option, just let us know in the registration email that this is your need.
Are there sibling discounts?
-Yes! Email us for sibling rates.
What happens if we miss a class?
- Don’t worry! If you miss a class, the material for that day can be emailed to you.
What if we are new to supported communication?
-Our teacher is very knowledgeable and can scaffold the communication experience to fit each student’s individual needs.
ADDITIONAL WINTER CLASSES
WINTER SATURDAYS
PLAYWRITING WORKSHOP
Saturdays, January 28, February 4 and 25, March date TBD.
10:30am-12:30.
A group play writing class will be offered by Margaret Douglas, a playwright, poet, and musician based in Philadelphia. (MFA Yale School of Drama).
Students will have the chance to put their words into someone else's mouth for a change, then on the last class, to watch their play/s performed by actors.
$100 for the four classes.
Some scholarship available. Please inquire.