The Brave in the Land of the Free — and Freedom Through Spelling

💙Read the Thrive Together Section-With guest Author Ashton Curtis!!!💙

July 3rd: Fireworks Alarm Set!

Every year, when July comes around, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for living in this country. July marks the month my family moved from Mexico City to the United States—a place often described as a melting pot. Over the years, I’ve met incredible people from many different backgrounds and cultures, each adding something special to the fabric of our communities.

More recently, I’ve come to appreciate another kind of diversity—a “melting pot” of abilities and challenges. Disabilities touch people of every age, race, and walk of life. They don’t discriminate. And while we all deserve to feel a sense of belonging, for individuals with disabilities—especially during loud and crowded celebrations—feeling included can sometimes be tough.

That’s why, on my calendar, I have an alarm set for July 3rd every year. It’s my personal reminder to prepare for the fireworks—not just the big shows, but the flashing lights, booming sounds, unpredictable driving conditions, and overwhelming sensory input that can affect those with sensory sensitivities, migraines, and other health challenges.

Fourth of July is full of fun and tradition—food, music, family, friends, neighbors, and of course… fireworks! And with a little preparation and extra thoughtfulness, we can make this celebration more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

Freedom means more when everyone can enjoy it. Let’s celebrate in ways that honor the beautiful diversity of our community—including those with invisible differences.

Happy Independence Day! 💙❤️🤍

❤️At the Heart of America – Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is one of our favorite destinations—and we’ve visited during both winter and summer! Each season offers a different kind of magic, and D.C. has so much to offer for families, especially those looking for autism- and sensory-friendly travel options.

🎄 December in D.C.
In December, the chilly temperatures kept the crowds away. We often had entire museums almost to ourselves, especially on weekdays right before Christmas. To our surprise, the buses were not only free but nearly empty! It made getting around the city smooth and stress-free. Snow pictures were magical!

🌞 June in D.C.
In the summer we were there, buses cost only $1 and were still very manageable—not overly crowded. We were able to walk almost everywhere around the National Mall and visit several Smithsonian museums, most of which are free and extremely accessible.

Here are our top picks:

🛰️ National Air and Space Museum

Always a favorite, this museum is full of engaging exhibits for curious minds of all ages.
🔗 Accessibility info

🚀 Udvar-Hazy Center (near Dulles Airport)

This lesser-known but incredible space features real aircraft and spacecraft. Definitely worth the drive!
🔗 Visiting tips & accessibility

🏛️ National Museum of American History

Great interactive exhibits and a wonderful look at American culture and innovation.
🔗 Accessibility info

🦖 National Museum of Natural History

Our top favorite! We visited twice on each trip—there’s just so much to explore, and the accessible layout makes it very manageable.
🔗 Accessibility info

🐼 Smithsonian National Zoo

The true winner for us! I could watch the pandas all day—they are playful, silly, and feel like real-life stuffed animals. Don’t miss the orangutans swinging on overhead cables—we even saw a baby try it for the first time!
🔗 Zoo accessibility & sensory info
📹 Panda Cam!

🎭 Bonus: The Kennedy Center – Sensory-Friendly Shows
The Kennedy Center offers sensory-friendly performances designed specifically for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive disabilities. The environment is welcoming, low-pressure, and ideal for families looking to enjoy the arts together.
🔗 More on sensory-friendly shows
🔗 Upcoming accessible performances

💙 Bonus Resource: Autism-Friendly DC Activities
Looking for more sensory-friendly outings and tools in the D.C. area?
🔗 Check out this amazing guide: Be Like Buddy – Washington D.C.

💙❤️The memorials and monuments may not be the most exciting for everyone—but they offer a deeply moving and heartfelt experience. Standing before them, we felt a profound sense of gratitude for those who helped establish this beautiful country, and an overwhelming respect for the brave military souls who gave their lives so that you and I can enjoy the freedoms and blessings we have today.❤️💙

“My Life Changed at 25” – Ashton’s Voice of Hope

With Ashton’s permission, I’m honored to share how this brave young man is using his voice to advocate for the entire non-speaking community.

Recently, Ashton—alongside two of his non-speaking and minimally speaking friends—gave a powerful presentation to an audience of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), parents and autism supporters in Phoenix, including with others joining via Zoom. For many in the room, this was the first time hearing directly from those whose voices are too often left out of the conversation.

Each of the young men prepared their introductions in advance and delivered them using their communication devices. Ashton’s words deeply moved everyone in attendance:

"I AM ASHTON CURTIS, AN INTELLIGENT 26-YEAR-OLD NON-SPEAKING MAN.
I WAS TREATED LIKE A TODDLER FOR WAY TOO LONG. MY MIND CRAVED REAL KNOWLEDGE.
QUITE A FEW YEARS OF ABA THERAPY AND SPEECH THERAPY NEVER HELPED MY BODY CONNECT WITH MY BRILLIANT MIND.
APRAXIA HINDERS MY ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE. MY BODY AND BRAIN ARE TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS.
LAST YEAR, AT AGE 25, I WAS TAUGHT TO COMMUNICATE AND MY LIFE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER. SPELLING HAS OPENED MY WORLD TO ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.
SINCE THEN, A LOT HAS CHANGED. I WRITE POETRY. ONE WAS JUST PUBLISHED IN A BOOK. I WROTE A SONG.
I SET AND ACHIEVED GOALS IN MY CHURCH. I WAS ABLE TO TELL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHAT CAUSED PAIN.
I REGISTERED TO VOTE. I HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE.
I LOOK FORWARD TO LIFE NOW."

Following the presentation, the group engaged in a raw, emotional discussion about full-body apraxia, the importance of presuming competence, and the long-term trauma of being misunderstood. Tears were shed. Eyes were opened.

Ashton and his friends are on a mission to “help the others still trapped in silence”. Their courage is creating a ripple effect of awareness, empathy, and action.

May we all be inspired to listen more, assume competence, and help build a world where everyone has the tools and support to express their true selves.

#ThriveTogether #AutismPassport #PresumeCompetence #CommunicationMatters #ApraxiaAwareness #Neurodiversity

⭐️💙Freedom can mean different things to different people.💙⭐️
For some, it’s independence. For others, it’s being seen, heard, and understood.

“Spellers the Movie” was the first video Ashton’s mom shared with her friends—and it completely opened my eyes to the world of spellers.
WOW. Talk about a new kind of freedom—the kind that comes when someone finally has a way to express their voice after years of silence.

It’s powerful. It’s moving. And it’s something everyone deserves.
🗝️ Freedom through communication is real.

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