Haunted

FINALLY

By Brett Schaffran

At 34 I spoke my first word. I am a speller, and my name is Brett Schaffran. All my life there was the desire to speak: but my mouth doesn’t listen to my brain. For a long time I believed I might one day be able to, but when I realized that would never happen, I despaired. Almost all of us are seen by the world as incapable. But given the right supports, we are very capable indeed.

My life has changed so much in the past year. Feelings of joy are now the norm for me, rather than the exception. My dream of talking has come true…and I want to finally be heard.

5/20/2026 3 Comments

Haunted

Many of my friends are wondering the same thing I am: when will the world believe in us? I am especially sensitive about this because I am one of the oldest students at Mouth to Hand. When my friends from my youth are all still in the silent cage, how can I not brood?

Their parents came to Mouth to Hand and saw me and others spell. They watched me answer their questions. They left refusing to believe what their own eyes told them to be true. It was soul crushing to me: my peers will never be free.

So what has to happen to make people like them believe? That question haunts me.

3 Comments

Kim Thornton

5/21/2026 01:15:31 pm

You are having an impact far beyond what you can see Brett. You've already led cousin Eavan to spelling, and we have told hundreds of people. Whenever I come across doubters online I point them towards your blog. Your words are powerful. Sometimes all we can do is plant the seed.

Michael Sweeney

5/22/2026 05:07:06 am

As a parent, it took me too long to understand this. Now, the question is how to get others into it.

For the record, I Believe you Brett.

Mike Sweeney

Jim Cutie

5/22/2026 08:11:10 pm

I’m with you on this Brett. I guess some people just get used to a certain “truth” that when something, anything comes along that threatens their status quo, they just can’t accept change.

I must say that when (in Songwriting) you, Joss and Alex got to talking about the right of each individual to decide what defines oneself, I was once again inspired by each of you. I guess one measure is to reach a wide audience, but it is equally important to recognize how deeply you do affect many people and their families and friends. Not just how many, but how deeply.

Not many people, of any age, have ever had the dramatic effect on people that your hard work, blogging and advocating has already had.

Jim

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Haunted

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