This past weekend, Craig and I attended Motormorphosis 2025, a conference dedicated to supporting non-speaking and unreliably speaking individuals. It was our first time stepping into this incredible gathering, and I am still buzzing with gratitude, awe, and inspiration.

As many of you know, Craig is non-speaking due to apraxia, and we’ve been on a beautiful journey with Spelling to Communicate (S2C), a method that has opened up his world and ours. Through S2C, Craig is finally able to express himself clearly, and it has shown us something profound: he has been listening, learning, and absorbing everything all along.

**Craig and Lori at Motormorphisis 2025**

Where communication, connection, and confidence came to life.

The Power of Being Seen and Heard

Sitting in a ballroom filled with **670 people, including 175 non-speakers like Craig, **I witnessed something extraordinary. Craig was calm, flexible, and fully present throughout the event. He soaked it all in with such poise. When he met his non-speaking friends, his face lit up with pure, genuine smiles, the kind of smiles that tell you you’re exactly where you belong.

I loved that Craig could finally see: “I am not the only one.” For him to be surrounded by peers who communicate just like he does was priceless. That sense of belonging is something you can’t teach; it must be felt.

The Wisdom of the Non-Speakers

Throughout the conference, we heard powerful messages directly from non-speakers who spelled their thoughts aloud. Their insights floored me. Their wisdom, humor, intelligence, and perseverance were breathtaking.

**A powerful panel of non-speaking individuals**

Sharing insight, wisdom, and lived experience with a packed room at Motormorphosis 2025.

It reaffirmed everything Craig has been showing us: that non-speaking individuals are deep thinkers, keen observers, and brilliant minds who simply need a reliable avenue to express themselves. S2C is that avenue. Watching Craig connect with this community felt like watching doors fly open, both for him and for us.

The Power of Community

I also learned so much from other parents walking the same path. There was something deeply comforting about sharing stories, challenges, and triumphs with families who truly understand this journey.

We are building strong communities that not only support each other but also help our non-speakers find balance, autonomy, and independence in their lives. Seeing parents collaborate, share resources, and celebrate their children’s victories was incredibly uplifting. This is what hope in action looks like.

✨ Behind Every Great Experience is an Unsung Hero ✨

At Motormorphosis this year, I was in awe of the brilliance of non-speakers, including my son Craig. But what made the trip truly seamless? My daughter Amanda. 💛

She handled everything: booking hotels, planning meals, organizing our days, and even helping Craig get ready each morning. Because of her, I could be fully present—learning, connecting, and soaking in every inspiring moment.

Amanda’s support gave Craig comfort and calm in a new environment, and it gave me the gift of peace and presence. Watching her love and care for her brother filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget.

Here’s to Amanda, our rock, our organizer, and one of Craig’s biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for making this experience not just possible, but magical. ✨

My Heartfelt Takeaway

Leaving Motormorphosis, I am more inspired than ever. I saw Craig not just as my son, but as a confident, capable young man surrounded by a community that values him for exactly who he is.

He reminded me of something powerful this weekend: he has always been listening. He has always been learning. He has always been brilliant. Now, the world gets to hear it.

Why This Matters

For any parent out there walking a similar path, feeling unsure, wondering if your non-speaking child is understanding more than they can show, trust me, they are. Spelling to Communicate has not just changed Craig’s life; it has changed ours.

Motormorphosis 2025 was a celebration of voices long unheard, and I am profoundly grateful Craig and I got to be part of it.

Here’s to breaking barriers, presuming competence, and embracing the brilliance in every single person.

Keep the Conversation Going

We invite you to stay connected and follow Craig’s journey as he continues to share his voice, insights, and experiences.

Follow Craig on Instagram @craig_speaks

Subscribe to his newsletter at craigspeaks.substack.com

Learn more about the conference that made this possible: Motormorphosis 2025

Your support helps amplify the voices of non-speakers everywhere. Thank you for being part of this community of understanding, hope, and transformation.

Finding Craig’s Voice: Our Transformative Experience at Motormorphosis 2025