He’s nonverbal, but he hears you.
When you’re around someone who doesn’t speak, remember: just because they can’t respond doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. And just because they don’t react the way you’d expect doesn’t mean they don’t understand.
I can’t claim to know exactly what goes on in Charlie’s mind, but I do know this, he picks up on more than he lets on. He doesn’t respond in words, but he hears us. He watches. He absorbs.
No, we don’t have back-and-forth conversations. Not yet. Maybe not ever. But I believe that what he hears doesn’t just disappear. It stays with him, even if we don’t always see how.
Maybe someday more of it will find a way out. Or maybe it won’t. Either way, it matters.
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Calling All Missouri Artists! 🎨
Help us celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October by entering the Governor’s Council on Disability’s Poster Contest!
This year’s theme centers around employment inclusion and the value of a workforce that embraces the talents of people with disabilities. The winning design will be featured on a poster shared across Missouri and highlight the importance of inclusive employment.
✅ Open to all Missouri residents
🎯 Artwork must reflect the theme of employment and disability inclusion
🗓 Entries due soon – don’t miss your chance to be featured statewide!
Visit disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest/index.html to view submission guidelines and enter today.
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