It’s Never Too Late

What if communication can open at any age?

In this episode of the Talk Tracks, Ky Dickens sits down with Betsy Hicks Russ and her son Joe, who began spelling in adulthood after decades of being underestimated. As communication opens, so does a new understanding of Joe’s inner life, his humor, his insight, his spirituality, and the depth of what he has long been aware of.

Together, they explore presuming competence, the emotional transformation that comes when someone is finally able to express themselves, and the mystery of connection that can emerge between nonspeakers and those closest to them. 

At the heart of this episode is Joe’s message to other families regarding spelling and opening up communication for nonspeakers: it is never too late.