New Direction Spelling Center is thrilled to announce a private screening of SPELLERS the movie, inspired by the book Underestimated. SPELLERS is a transformational documentary detailing autistic non-Speakers and what happens once they are able to freely communicate.  Come see for yourself the power of communication in opening the world of non-Speakers! Bring your family and stay for a brief Q&A after the showing.

Marjorie Billeter

SPELLERS

Pat Notaro

Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg

Donnie Wahlberg

Dawnmarie Gaivin

Dana Johnson

Gail Tanner

Aydan Boden

Jamie Handley

Cade Larson

Vince Rinicella

Madison Hollman

Evan Tastor

Elizabeth Bonker

Sid Sarathy

Inspired by the book Underestimated, the new full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question, in convincing fashion, through the stories of eight nonspeakers—Aydan, Evan, Sid, Maddie, Jamie, Vince, Cade, and Elizabeth—who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As Jamie explains, “we think, feel, and learn just like everyone else.”

Documentary

Hopkinton High School auditorium is located at the front of the building, and is easily accessible with free parking in front of the school. This screening will attempt to be sensory friendly, with some lights left on and room to move if needed. All are welcome!

Hopkinton High School