A national, speller-led alliance
Communication is a right.Speech is not a measure of intelligence.
The Spelling Alliance of Ireland is led by and works with nonspeaking and unreliably speaking people who use spelling to communicate — alongside the families, practitioners and communities working with them.
Presuming Competence.
Expanding Possibility.
Driving Change.
Who we are for
Nonspeaking and unreliably speaking people
Many people in Ireland cannot rely on speech to express what they know, think and feel. Some are nonspeaking. Others speak, but the words that come out are not always the words they intend — their speech is unreliable.
For decades, this gap between the body and the mind has been misread as a gap in intelligence. It is not. Speech is not a measure of intelligence. Spelling — letter by letter, on a board or a keyboard — offers a way for a person to express the voice they already have.
The Alliance exists so that communication access is treated as a right across Ireland: available, respected and understood.
Our areas of work
Four commitments that guide our work
- 01
Awareness & advocacy
Changing the public conversation about nonspeaking communication and challenging outdated assumptions in education, health and media.
- 02
Access to communication
Working so every speller in Ireland can access competent, respectful support to use spelling as their means of communication.
- 03
Community building
Connecting spellers, families and allies through gatherings, peer support and a national network rooted in lived experience.
- 04
Practitioner standards & collaboration
Building a trusted, ethical community of practice in Ireland through shared standards, collaboration and ongoing learning.
Speller perspectives
In their own words
The experiences and priorities of spellers are at the heart of our work.
“Ableism will not stop me from communicating my chosen way. It is valid and it is me. Please don't underestimate my intelligence.”
“Spelling is our voice and we deserve to be heard. Take the time to listen.”
“[Spelling] has changed everything. I can hope to be involved with my family. I have a purpose.”
Spellers shape this organisation
Spellers are not simply beneficiaries of the Alliance. They help set our priorities, direct our advocacy and decide where we go next. We work with spellers, not for them.
Where to begin
Clear pathways for everyone
Spellers & families
Spellers and families have dedicated participation pathways with the Alliance — start there to connect and take part.
Get involvedPractitioners
Find spelling practitioners working in Ireland, or read about listing requirements and standards.
Find a practitionerProfessionals
Educators, SLTs and healthcare teams — see how we work to embed the presumption of competence in practice.
See our workAllies & organisations
Join us, volunteer, share our work or partner with us to expand communication access nationwide.
Join us
News & media
Follow the work as it develops.
Policy submissions, advocacy, speller-led initiatives, events and Alliance announcements are published in one place.
Policy & Advocacy · 2026
SAI Submission to the DARE Review
Get involved
A place for everyone in this work.
Whether you're a speller, family member, practitioner, funder or ally — there is a place for you in this work.