About Us
Our Mission
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
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 movements (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
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.
Spring I
"The Cultural Anthropology of Western Africa" with Jeremy Simons
Followed By
Spiritual Growth Group with Solomon Keal, Tirah Keal, and David Gould
WHEN: 3/28/25 to 5/2/25, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Bryn Athyn, PA
Contact us for detailed directions.
COST: $200
Max Class Size: 8 Students
Spring II
Book Club will be reading out of my mind, a novel by Sharon Draper
Followed by
"American Sign Language, Helen Keller, Deaf Culture and the Parallels to Spellers" with Judy Wolfram
This class will explore the life of Helen Keller, and her struggles to have a voice and offer students the chance to compare their experiences to hers.
WHEN: 5/9/25 to 6/20/25 (no class 5/23)10am-12pm
WHERE: Bryn Athyn, PA
Contact us for detailed directions.
COST: $200
Max Class Size: 8 Students
Summer
Book Club will be reading
"Resonance Within: Unlocking Potential Through Musical Expression"- six classes with Toni Conicello-Emery, MA, MT-BC
This 6-week music therapy series is designed to explore musical expression in a supportive, inclusive group setting. Through rhythm, melody, and improvisation, participants will explore new avenues of self-expression, communication, and connection. No musical experience is needed—just a willingness to listen, feel, and express. (Additional Communication support also present for this class)
WHEN: Fridays from 11:30am --12:30pm, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/8, 8/15, & 8/22.
WHERE: Bryn Athyn, PA
More specific location available on registration.
COST: $200
MORE ACTIVITIES TO KNOW ABOUT
RealVoices Group Activites:
Thursdays 10-12. - Swim (and sauna) with a group at the Willow Grove YMCA, 3300 Davisville Rd, Hatboro, PA.
Wednesdays 4-4:30 - Group CrossFit at Central Bucks CrossFit - 1800 Mearns Road, Warminster, PA. $40 per month.
Wednesdays 10-10:30am - Volunteer Opportunity - at Somerton Food Bank. Meet up to buy groceries (your contribution) and to deliver them. Sommerton Interfaith Food Bank, 510 Sommerton Ave, Philadelphia, PA (off Bustleton Ave).