October is a jam-packed month. With fall temperatures beginning, daylight savings time ending, Halloween, and International Stuttering Awareness Day. October 22 was assigned International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) in 1998, to raise awareness and education of stuttering, which affects one percent of the world’s population according to the Stuttering Foundation. At SpeechEasy, with our electronic fluency device, we strive to inform and educate about the disability that is stuttering and make the lives of those affected easier.
What is Stuttering
Stuttering is a communication disorder in which repetitions, abnormal stoppages (called blocks) break the flow of speech. Stuttering can be caused by family history or nervousness, and can not be cured, but can be controlled with speech therapy or electronic fluency devices such as SpeechEasy.
History of Stuttering
Stuttering dates back to the 4th century BC, with Demosthenes. Demosthenes could not speak without a stutter and was often mocked by his peers. Other famous people who have had to deal with stuttering include British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, and James Earl Jones, whose famous voice is the one of Darth Vader. Many of these people rehearsed lines and practiced speaking, but imagine what history could be made if they had the help of an electronic fluency device from SpeechEasy.
How to Celebrate
This isn’t the time to throw a party to celebrate your friends and family who might stutter, but to inform yourself about its causes, effects on the person, and how you as a listener can make the speaker more comfortable. If you have children, talking to them about the disability and how to treat those who are affected by it. You can also consider making a donation to the International Stuttering Association to allow them to help those who can’t afford treatment or access electronic fluency devices.
SpeechEasy | Electronic Fluency Device for Stuttering
SpeechEasy is a combination of proven technology and techniques which can be used to reduce stuttering. Worn in one ear and similar in appearance to a hearing aid, SpeechEasy has helped thousands increase their ability to communicate effectively and confidently. The program that comes with every SpeechEasy device is supported by a team of fluency professionals who truly care about your success. Contact us today!
