To unlock voices, to foster friendships, and to promote lives of purpose for non speaking, minimally speaking, and/or unreliably speaking teens and adults.
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.
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.
"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
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
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
Financial aid is available, thanks to a recently received grant. Mail the attached form to the treasurer.
Real Voices Philadelphia
ATTN: Edward Simons
1800 Byeberry Road, Ste.801
Huntington Valley, PA 19006
Please reach us at info@realvoicesphilly.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
There is a virtual option, just let us know in the registration email that this is your need, or reach out through our contact form to learn more.
Our staff is trained in various forms of communication, including Spelling2Communicate, Facilitated Communication and the use of AAC devices.
Yes. Email us for sibling rates.
Yes. If interested please contact us for mo
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).
Your donation will help us provide crucial services to those in need. Every dollar counts in our efforts to make a positive impact in our community.
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1800 Byeberry Road, Ste.801 Huntington Valley, PA 19006
Phone and Text: 215-918-8028 Email: info@realvoicesphilly.org