Empowering Voices: Amy McMunn's Journey to Transforming Communication for Nonspeaking Individuals

​In December 2023, Amy McMunn founded Letter & Board Spelled Communication Solutions LLC , an LLC with a mission that goes far beyond traditional business objectives. Amy is not just an educational consultant—she's a dedicated advocate for individuals with autism and motor differences who struggle to communicate purposefully and reliably. Specializing in motor-based communication instruction, Amy empowers those who are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or unreliably speaking by teaching them to use letterboards to spell out their thoughts.
 
But Amy’s journey to this work didn’t start in the classroom. In fact, it began in a courtroom—or at least, that’s where she thought it would begin. Armed with a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Amy imagined a life of practicing law. However, her plans shifted when she became a mother to two sons, both later diagnosed with autism. Her eldest, in particular, faces significant challenges, including the inability to speak due to motor difficulties and the loss of most of his vision during his teenage years.
 
From early on, Amy’s life became intertwined with the world of therapies and medical care. Both of her sons entered the Early Intervention system as babies, and for the next two decades, her focus was on supporting their development. Then, in 2017, everything changed. A fellow autism mother introduced her to spelling as a form of communication, suggesting Amy travel out of state to learn this method for her son. It was during one of his initial sessions that her son spelled the word "photosynthesis," a moment that fundamentally shifted her perspective on nonspeaking individuals. She realized that the potential for communication was vast, even for those who struggled with motor function.
 
Since then, Amy has been on a mission to share this transformative approach with other families, just as it was shared with her. But the journey to entrepreneurship wasn't a solo effort. In November, Amy began working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Brockport, particularly with business advisor Kristine Rudgers. Kristine has helped guide Amy through the complex process of setting up a legal structure, navigating accounting software, planning for the future, and marketing her services. Reflecting on her experience, Amy expressed deep gratitude: “They are a well-oiled machine. Each step of the process has been explained to me, and I have been able to gain advice and direction on everything from setting up a business plan to identifying banking needs to exploring invoicing software and future areas for growth. I couldn't imagine doing all of this without the support of Kristine, from the SBDC.”
 
Today, Amy provides her services at two locations in Rochester, New York. On weekday evenings, she offers her expertise at the Golisano Autism Center within Autism Up on 50 Science Parkway. Her weekends are spent at Homesteads for Hope, a nonprofit located on Manitou Road, which recently received a grant that will allow Amy to expand her spelling community.
 
Looking ahead, Amy envisions even greater growth for Letter & Board Spelled Communication Solutions LLC. Her dream is to create a community where all modes of Communication are accepted. She hopes to offer group classes and hire occupational therapists who can support her mission of teaching gross motor skills, enabling more individuals to engage in this empowering method of communication.
 
“I want to grow my business to support our community,” Amy said, her vision reflecting the same passion and dedication that first brought her to this work. “We all have a right to communicate and be heard, no matter what challenges we face.”
 
Through Letter & Board Spelled Communication Solutions LLC, Amy is turning her personal journey into a beacon of hope for countless other families facing similar struggles. And as her business grows, so does her impact on the community she serves.