Niko is an autistic young man who relies on a letterboard for communication. He attended a RPM [rapid prompting method] training with Elizabeth Vosseller, M.A., CCC-SLP of Growing Kids Therapy, in October 2014, where he quickly took to this low-tech assistive technology.

Homeschooled since first grade, Niko entered ninth grade fully included at a local charter school this fall, and has thrived academically. He is the first student in Portland Public Schools to use a letterboard for communication, and shares his passion for inclusive education through his blog. He shares, LEARNING FOR ME IS LIKE A LIGHT THAT BURNS BRIGHT. GOING TO SCHOOL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. YOU REALLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH MORE ACCEPTING PEOPLE ARE OF MY AUTISM NOW THAT THEY HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW ME. ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT IS HOW THANKFUL I AM FOR RPM.