EPISODE 35
A Conversation with Danny Whitty: A Talented, Witty Cook Who Communicates by Spelling
A Conversation with Danny Whitty: A Talented, Witty Cook Who Communicates by Spelling
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Danny talks about the concepts and experience of having unreliable speech, which can be heard at times during this podcast. What does he say about it, and how can you have better understanding and support people who have unreliable speech? Any personal experiences to share?
2) Danny discusses the qualities of people who are most helpful in the process of supporting and sharing communication with him. What are some of these qualities that he discusses, and what observations do you make that seem to be important ways that his sister, Tara, supports him during this podcast discussion? How might you change what you do to support people who are non-speaking or who have unreliable speech?
3) Danny and Dave have an enthusiastic discussion about cooking and culinary arts, an area of shared interest. What are some of the points that you take away from this discussion on issues such as connecting with others, being creative, and developing an identity of being a good cook? Discuss some ways that you will infuse what you have learned in your life, or in the life of your students, child and family.
2) Danny discusses the qualities of people who are most helpful in the process of supporting and sharing communication with him. What are some of these qualities that he discusses, and what observations do you make that seem to be important ways that his sister, Tara, supports him during this podcast discussion? How might you change what you do to support people who are non-speaking or who have unreliable speech?
Featuring
DANNY WHITTY
Danny is a proud and joyful minimally-speaking and apraxic autistic. He uses Spelling to Communicate (S2C), which allows him to write, advocate, and share his ideas and feelings. He is a part of the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network and the Ohana Consortium, and has been published in Bon Appetit magazine. He is an avid poet, cook, ocean enthusiast, and friend.
“Being autistic has been my defining condition, in beautiful and in difficult ways. Now that I can share my words, I am better able to celebrate the beautiful – the sensory feast, the unbound world in my mind, and the empathy I have developed in my life.”
Show Notes
Danny Whitty is a 36 year old Autistic self advocate who communicates his complex thoughts and ideas primarily by spelling, and with unreliable speech. Barry and Dave engage in a lively conversation with Danny who receives support from his sister, his communication regulation partner. Topics range from how his life has changed dramatically since he learned how to spell to communicate, the qualities of people who best support non-speakers, and the culinary arts, an area in which Danny demonstrates specific talents and passions.
More about Danny:
*Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn more about past guest, The Miracle Project’s new original musical “Journey to Namuh“, starring neurodiverse performers with and without disabilities.
Featuring music from the musical: