| Speak Easy Inc. believes that knowledge is power. Through our information programs, we attempt to provide enough knowledge so that stutterers can gain the power to control their disability. Here are some possible solutions: |
| STUTTERING THERAPY |
| An estimated twenty-percent of people who stutter seek speech therapy for the disability. Therapy programs are very much "different strokes for different folks," what works for one may not work for another. The following describes some of the basic methods: |
| Stuttering Modification vs. Fluency Shaping |
| Stuttering Modification Therapy refers to an approach to stuttering that emphasizes the reduction of speech fears, avoidance behaviours, and negative attitudes towards speech, as well as modifying the stuttering behavior. The approach also attempts to improve the stutterer's social and vocational skills. The goal of stuttering modification is to obtain spontaneous fluency through teaching the client to control his manner of speaking. Using various techniques, the speaker exhibits normal sounding speech by paying attention to how he is talking. If the stutterer is unable to obtain controlled fluency, then achieving an acceptable level of stuttering would become the goal. Stuttering modification is usually conducted within a teaching/counseling situation in a loosely structured manner. The client's perceptions of his speech are more important, in this approach, than any measured levels of fluency. |
| Fluency Shaping Therapy is based on operant conditioning and programming principles and focuses on establishing and generalizing stutter-free speech. In this program, some form of fluency is first established in a controlled situation by slowing speech rate, monitoring speech carefully, or paying particular attention to the easy onset of speech. This fluency is reinforced and gradually modified to approximate normal conversational speech in the clinical setting. This speech is then generalized to the person's daily speaking situation. Fluency shaping does not directly attempt to reduce the stutterer's fears and avoidance of words and speaking situations, but instead focuses on fluency. There is no level of acceptable stuttering in fluency shaping therapy. It is usually performed in a highly structured situation and established levels of fluency must be met before the client moves on to the next step. Stuttering modification therapy is more attractive to some stutterers because it does not require the stutterer to speak in any abnormal pattern during some part of his therapy. On the other hand, in most stuttering modification therapy the stutterer needs to confront his speech fears by performing fear-producing tasks. He needs to eliminate his avoidance behaviors and get his stuttering out in the open, which some stutterers find extremely unpleasant. The two different approaches were once thought to be mutually exclusive. However, present-day therapists are often able to combine elements of both programs to the benefit of the stutterer. |
| INTENSIVE THERAPY PROGRAMS |
| Intensive programs are usually three-week programs of continuous therapy and are held on-site. Participants live in or near the clinic and work on their speech controls throughout the day and evening. Programs are often aimed at specific age groups: children, teens, and adults. There may be follow-up or refresher courses available to maintain the gains made during therapy. Intensive programs are available at selected clinics across Canada. Non-intensive programs are available at many locations - check with the Speech/Language department of your local hospital. Attending an Intensive program at a clinic can be expensive. Federal and provincial employment and/or human resources agencies may be willing to assist with the costs. |
| ELECTRONIC FLUENCY AIDS |
| Electronic fluency aids may be suitable for some people who stutter. These are electronic devices designed to alleviate stuttering. Many of them work by manipulating how the stutterer hears his own speech. Some devices delay the sound, alter the pitch, mask it, or combine several elements. They may come with a "trial period" and a money-back arrangement. Those interested should carefully investigate the terms of sale. Purchasing via a credit card may protect your investment. For some, these devices may be a solution. |
| TOASTMASTERS |
| Many stutterers have found joining Toastmasters to be a great deal of help. These groups concentrate on public speaking, but the principles you learn in public speaking are easily applicable to general personal communications. The skills learned in Toastmasters can improve communication and overall quality of life. Check your telephone book or volunteer directory for the nearest group. |
| POTENTIAL STUTTERING SOLUTIONS |
| SPEAK EASY inc. - Canada's Organization For People Who Stutter - presents |
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