Presume Competence- A non-speaker's plead

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Paciencia, Hermanita, Paciencia

You know those moments when someone does something that really tries your patience… and you have to count to one… two… three… and sometimes all the way to ten—or even a hundred? 😊

Maybe your loved one breaks a dish, stains the couch, slams a door, or accidentally creates a mess you never expected. The list is endless.

When I was about 10 years old, my mom took in a young woman named Manuelita, who was in her early 20s. I remember watching my mom patiently teach her how to wash dishes, do laundry, mop the floors, practice personal hygiene, and manage daily routines—things I already knew how to do as a child. I didn’t understand why a “grown-up” needed help with the basics. But my mom would explain, “She just needs a little help to learn.”

Over time, I came to see that Manuelita was different. She was small—just about my height—and in many ways, she was childlike. She went home at night, but every morning at 7 a.m., she’d arrive at our house and become part of our day. She learned to shower and brush her teeth, to cook and clean, to pray and communicate more clearly. Sometimes, she even played with my sisters and me.

It took about three years of daily guidance. During that time, my parents paid her to help clean the house as a way to give her purpose and dignity while she learned. Eventually, she mastered enough life and housekeeping skills to work for other families as a house cleaner.

But the journey wasn’t smooth. She broke her share of dishes, burned food, lost things, and made mistakes. Every time something went wrong- a daily occurrence- she would smile at my mom and say with sweet sincerity, “Paciencia, hermanita, paciencia” — “Patience, little sister, patience.”

That phrase became a family motto. Even now, we repeat it in our minds when life feels overwhelming or when someone tests our patience.

So, through the sleepless nights, messy rooms, endless appointments, and emotional IEP meetings—take a deep breath and remember:
Paciencia, hermanita, paciencia.
Then give that one person a hug and keep going.
You’ve got this. 💙

✈️ Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?

For our family—absolutely, yes.

My husband and I both have TSA PreCheck, and we made sure our kids had it too when they were traveling with us more often. We love it. The shorter lines, the faster process, and the reduced hassle make a big difference. No need to remove shoes, take out electronics, or pull out our little baggies of liquids—that alone saves time and cuts the stress of airport security.

Earlier this year, we traveled with two family members who use wheelchairs. They didn’t have TSA PreCheck. Even though they were assisted through accessible lanes, they still went through a full screening process, and it took much longer. On the way back, we tested it—we went through the TSA PreCheck line while they were guided through standard screening. Despite their assistance, we still got through much faster. One of their bags was even opened and swabbed.

At larger airports, the time-saving benefits of TSA PreCheck really add up. If you travel often, it’s worth asking:

• How frequently do you fly?

• Is there a TSA enrollment center near you?

For us, it’s been worth every penny—and now that renewals can be done online, it’s even more convenient.

Speaking of TSA… here are some great reminders to share with your kids or anyone traveling with you. These simple tips can make airport security smoother and less stressful for everyone:

🛫 TSA’s Top 6 Checkpoint Do’s

1. Use your full legal name when booking. Make sure the name on your ticket matches your ID exactly—no nicknames allowed.

2. Enroll in TSA PreCheck®. It’s the fastest lane—you keep shoes, belt, and light outerwear on. Kids 17 and under can join if they’re on your reservation .

3. Download the myTSA app. It shows you what you can bring, current wait times, and whether the PreCheck lane is open .

4. Wear slip-on shoes. Easy on and off footwear speeds through security—and socks are recommended .

5. Empty your pockets before reaching the bins. Put everything—including tissues, mints, even breathers—into your carry‑on to avoid delays or pat‑downs .

6. Stow your phone in your bag—don’t put it in trays. Keeps it cleaner and reduces risk of loss or damage .

🚫 TSA Officers Never Do These Things

1. Never joke about bombs or explosives. Even offhand comments can lead to serious questioning and missed flights .

2. Never put pets or children through the X‑ray machine. Carry them through the metal detector instead—this is not only safer but required .

3. Never bring a firearm to the checkpoint. Even with a permit, firearms must be unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided checked case, and declared at the airline counter .

4. Never hold your ID or boarding pass in your mouth. It’s unsanitary and can delay processing when handed to TSA officers .

5. Never place small items directly on the X‑ray belt. Things like phones, keys, or .

6. Never bring a bottle of water through security. Fill it only after you clear the checkpoint—empty bottles are allowed

💙 Thrive Together Spotlight

Breaking the Silence: Vincent’s Journey to Communication

This month, we’re spotlighting a powerful and moving story of courage, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of communication.

Meet Vincent Rinicella, a 21-year-old nonspeaking autistic man who spent the first 18 years of his life unable to communicate with the world around him. For years, he was trapped in silence—misunderstood, underestimated, and unable to share his thoughts, feelings, or ideas. That all changed when he was introduced to Spelling to Communicate (S2C).

Through this method, Vincent broke through the barriers of silence. He learned to spell his thoughts one letter at a time—and what came out was nothing short of extraordinary. His world opened up, and he has since become a powerful voice and advocate for nonspeakers everywhere.

In this 17-minute video, Vincent shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the transformative power of communication.

My favorite quotes from Vincent are:

“I was convinced I’d spend my life alone with my thoughts”

“Many people with autism and apraxia may do things with their body that you don’t understand, but trust us we always do it for a reason. We have differences in our motor coordination which is why some of us require alternative methods of communication. But that is where our differences end. Non speakers desire connection and communication just as much as you. We are here and we are able!”

“Non speakers are the most resilient people you will meet, don’t underestimate us”

“I felt like a bird being freed from it’s cage when I typed for the first time”

“Presume competence in every non speaker you meet, it all starts there”
🎥 Watch the video here →

Many families still question whether this kind of progress is possible for their loved one. But story after story, brave spellers like Vincent are proving that with the right support, patience, and belief, silent voices can be heard.

Let’s keep dreaming, advocating, and believing.
Let’s help more voices thrive together.

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