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.
Available Classes
Ancient Culture
Communication and Connection
Communication and Connection
Join us for a 6-week series of programs that will explore ancient, medieval, and modern religious art and objects in the Glencairn Museum collection! Each week we will take a journey through a different culture or time period to learn about the craftsmanship and meaning behind beautiful and important objects including illuminated manuscri
Join us for a 6-week series of programs that will explore ancient, medieval, and modern religious art and objects in the Glencairn Museum collection! Each week we will take a journey through a different culture or time period to learn about the craftsmanship and meaning behind beautiful and important objects including illuminated manuscripts, Islamic tiles, ancient Greek jewelry, and more. Each session will provide an opportunity for participants to create art themselves, taking inspiration from the objects we discuss and incorporating their own ideas and creativity.
Meghan Shupp will be present as Communications Support Specialist. She can assist students who wish it to access open and complex communication during the class. Meg will hold the space open for further discussion or communication games, after class from 11:30-12. Attendees and their supports are welcome to stay for lunch together (BYO).
Week 1 – Ancient Greece
Week 2 – Art and Objects of the Middle Ages (a focus on sculpture and manuscripts)
Week 3 – Medieval Stained Glass
Week 4 – The Craftsmanship of Glencairn
Week 5 – Islamic Tiles and Geometry
Week 6 – Buddhist Art and Sand Mandalas
WHO: The Glencairn Museum and Meghan Shupp
WHEN: Fridays Nov 3 to Dec 15, 10am-12pm
WHERE: 2775 Quarry Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
COST: $100 total for six classes
Financial Aid: Please don't miss out! Good quality programming is expensive, but we have financial aide available. Please reach out to Wystan on the RVP hotline (215-918-8028) or to Edward our treasurer (240-882-6868).
Communication and Connection
Communication and Connection
Communication and Connection
Each session consists of three parts: a group board game, a lesson, and a structured social period. The focus is on student communication with each other. Professional communication support will be provided by RVP.
WHO: Meghan Shupp
WHEN: Fridays Sept 15 - Oct 20
10-12pm
WHERE: 2775 Quarry Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
COST: $50 total for six classes
Intro to MNRI
Communication and Connection
Intro to MNRI
MNRI stands for Mustgotova Neurosensory-Motor Reflex Integration Therapy. Gather with other parents to understand the theory and practice of this useful therapy. Details TBD, please contact us if interested.
*This class is for parents and caregivers only*
Zoom Groups
Poetry
Book Club
Book Club
WHO: Nikki and Aulton Grubb
WHEN: Tuesdays Sept 12 - Oct 17
12-1pm EST
WHERE: Zoom
CONTACT: nikgrubbs@yahoo.com
Book Club
Book Club
Book Club
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).