2011 Nov-December

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

119 W. 40th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10018 :: 800.WeStutter (937.8888) :: 212.944.4050 :: email: [email protected] :: www.WeStutter.org

Leadership through Inspiration Funding for Fluency NINA ZITO KAITLYN DUGAN

We as persons who stutter often struggle Association, and all as a When I began my current speech program with acceptance. We have the constant fear person who stutters! It nearly three weeks ago, I thought I would of our peers judging us for taking a few was during this time that simply learn the skills to speak more flu- seconds too many to speak our thoughts. I decided to run for Student Government ently. Little did I know it would radically In response, I strongly believe in advertis- Association President. I knew that it transform how I see myself. I believe that ing my stuttering, and while I understand wouldn’t be easy, but along with a great the path to greater fluency would include a it is not for everyone, I feel that advertising support system, I had the confidence in tremendous amount of retraining. But I did loosens the mood and acknowledges what myself that I deserved it and that I could do not know that I would also need to face all some of you may consider the elephant in it. Along with candy bars, t-shirts, pens and the fear, anxiety, anger, shame, and frustration the room. posters, advertising my stuttering became that surround my speech. Three weeks ago, I was not always pro-active about adver- part of my campaign. To this day, I will I would have given nearly anything not to tising my stuttering. In my senior year of forever be grateful to the students, faculty stutter. Today, I realized more and more with high school I had a life-changing experience and staff at St. Joseph’s College for their every conversation that my stutter offers the at graduation. I had to give a speech as the overwhelming support and encouragement continual opportunity for humility, cour- Salutatorian of my class. Although it was of my journey through college as a person age, patience, and perseverance. Without a struggle, I can honestly say that at that who stutters. My time as President was filled my stutter, I would never have witnessed the moment, standing at the podium with no with successful events, stressful occasions, moments of grace, mercy, and victory that oc- words and just air, I decided that stuttering memorable moments and the start of many curred over the past three weeks. Let me start would no longer control my life. I was back wonderful friendships. at the beginning. in the driver’s seat and so proud of myself Attending St. Joseph’s College was one of My name is Kait, and I stutter. I can for conquering one of the most challenging the best decisions I’ve ever made. Yet, I often remember stuttering from a very young age. moments of my life. At the end of my wondered how I would be remembered as a Eventually I ‘grew out of’ this stutter and speech, my senior class, along with teachers, student and as a leader. On April 30th, 2011 forgot that I ever suffered from this disability. families, and friends gave me a standing at our annual Leadership Lunch, I found During my later years of college, the stut- ovation, which showed me that they accept- my answer. It was a beautiful afternoon of tering returned. The problem grew worse ed me and quietly rooted for me throughout dedicated leaders being awarded for their and worse, to the point where I was unable our four years of high school together. contributions to various clubs and organiza- to say even the first name of my best friend, With my new acceptance of stuttering, I tions on campus. As the afternoon came ‘Eric’. I never told anyone about this constant was ready for the future! With college came a to a close, there was one award left on the struggle. Instead, I learned to replace words new group of friends and new personal goals program: Leadership Through Inspiration. and to think constantly about different ways and ambitions which I strived to achieve. By The thought of receiving this award didn’t to say what I needed to say or worse, I simply my junior year, I was an established leader on even cross my mind until Sherrie, the settled for silence. campus. I was involved in numerous clubs Assistant Dean of Students and the advisor When I began graduate school as a student and organizations, on the Dean’s List, induct- of the Student Government Association of theology, I encountered what seemed like ed into several honor societies, and serving started to describe the recipient of this award an endless amount of theological jargon and as the Secretary of the Student Government as a courageous woman who displayed grace names that began with vowels: inerrancy, continued on page 3 continued on page 5 WHAT’SINSIDE

Farewell 2011, Look Out 2012 ...... 2 Chapter Spotlight ...... 5 Q&A: NFL Cornerback & Ellis Lankster . . . . 2 Summary of Rochester NY Workshop . . . . . 5 Money Matters ...... 3 Odds & Ends ...... 6 Stuttered Endurance ...... 3 A Special Thanks to Our Donors ...... 7 Be sure to check out ‘WeStutter’ Chapter News ...... 4 Cincinnati Style Fundraising ...... 8 on Facebook and Twitter today! NSA 2011 a Big Hit with Attendees . . . . . 4 Happy Holidays ...... 8 www.WeStutter.org

www.WeStutter.org NFL Cornerback andPWSEllisLankster NFL Cornerback Q&A :: 2012… Here We Come! Farewell 2011, LookOut are helping usto take the next steps in the financial contributions, both large and small, invaluable. In these challenging times your Association in 2011. Your donations are support to the National Stuttering and organizations who provided financial We gratefully acknowledge the individuals To OurFinancialContributors support, and collaboration in 2011. for the many ways you offered your time, to share our appreciation and gratitude support, this end-of-year message issimply tions. Although we always welcome financial organizations send out anappeal for dona accomplishment! to YOU on being partof such asignificant new programs and materials. Congratulations people who stutter, aswell asintroduce was able to provide ongoing support to for 2012. This year the NSA, with your help, not without high hopes and abright outlook Another great year iscoming to end, but the NFL.the :: A professional footballplayer? Q :: Didyoualwaysknow youwantedtobea called Prichard. :: A Q :: Where didyougrow up? you have aspeech problem. to bescared to do what you love just because My momma taught me at ayoung age not me’. made God how that ‘this is attitude the :: A handle it? because youstutter?Ifso, howdidyou Q :: Were youevermadefunoforbullied I began speaking, age 2-3. :: A speech differences? at whatagedidyoubecomeaware ofyour Q :: At whatagedidyoubegintostutter, and Around this time of year many non-profit Yes! Ihave always dreamt of playing in In the Deep South in Alabama, in atown Yes, Iwas made of, fun but Ialways had I began stuttering around the same time

you” toeach “Thank NSA andevery • you” tothespeech-language “Thank • you” totheRegional “Thank Coordina • you” totheChapterLeaders “Thank • Volunteers:and Thank you! We simply couldn’t do it without you. work we do for the stuttering community. wonderful. just like everybody else!’ would have been of ‘So what? You stutter. You’re still normal ‘just like me’. Having that constant reminder far ashaving other people around that were :: A group like wehavenow? nity toparticipateinakid/teen/adultsupport been different ifyouhadtheopportu Q :: Howdoyouthinkthingswouldhave much. through the fifth grade, but it didn’t help was in elementary school from kindergarten :: A therapy? Howdiditworkoutforyou? Q :: Didyouparticipateinanykindofspeech supported me with this speech problem. growing up. Momma and Daddy have always :: A family growing up?Supportive? Q :: What wasthereaction ofyourparents/ member whogives theiralltonurture NSA tothrive! development, andwhoarehelpingthe focus, program whoguideourlearning research, whochampion ourprofessional of ships andgoals thepartner pathologists whosupport ever-expanding community. times farbeyond) andhelpcareforthe areas(andsome within theirgeographic tors this year. and love tohelpguidetheNSAforward of generously all over theU.S. whohave given so To the NSA Leaders, Presenters, Chapter Things would have been alot easier as I did take partin speech therapy when I I had wonderfully supportive parents

of who sharethemessage theirtime, hearts, wisdom, NSAeducationand theNSA

- motto: motto: stutter,“If you alone.” not are you pathologists who continue to share our of new families, adults, and speech-language in 2012. We particularly welcome the promise forward to the opportunities that await us our other friends and colleagues, we look year with wonderful NSA community and In addition to looking forward to another you” tooursisterorganizations “Thank • you” toeach “Thank of • because of you speech problem. Never let anyone take away your dreams just get better? You cando or bewhat you want. :: A who mightbestrugglingwiththeir speech? Q :: What advicedoyouhaveforotherPWS you what you canand can’t do. this way for areason and never let anyone tell :: A cause oftheirspeech? don’t thinktheycanachievetheirgoalsbe Q :: What advicedoyouhaveforkidsthat speech, but day every Ijust keep working at it. :: A now? (attitudes, therapies, etc.)? Q :: Where doyoustandwithyourspeech people was tough. of them and stutter. Also, meeting groups of camps, Iwas afraid to get upthere in front up in front of agroup of people, such asin :: A of yourstutter? specifically attainable orunattainable because Q :: What opportunitiesdo/didyouseeas Tammy Flores, Barry Liben, Warm Wishes, ones. loved that matter. and allthosewhofosterconversations and your support. feedback, your questions, your presence, connected withus. We appreciateyour subscribes tothisnewsletterandstays We can’t thankyou enough! futures.the NSAinbuildinglife-affirming Happy Holidays to you and your I feel like Ihave gotten alot better with my Keep working at it! So what ifit doesn’t Forget what people say! You were made Anytime Ihad the opportunity to get NATIONAL STUTTERINGASSOCIATION Chairman of the Board Executive Director Executive you who

CHANGING THELIVESOF PEOPLEWHOSTUTTER involved in our chapters, workshops and is donated, and hundreds of volunteers are its dollars. Our office space in New York to maintain our efficient organization. as Administrative, routine expenses necessary community. The remaining 8%iscategorized stuttering the in others and families, their these servicesand benefits to our members, the expense of the personnel who bring improvements to our website, and of course, tors on childhood stuttering, continuing Voices, our brochures for teachers and educa publications like Letting Go and Family the annual conference and workshops, who stutter and their families –including Program Services, directly benefiting people Most of our outgo, 87% of the total, goes to pense dollars are associated with fund raising. organizations in that less than 5%of our ex favorably to other non-profit charitable special experience. extra opportunity to participate in this very attend our annual conference, providing an families who would otherwise not beable to financial assistance to our members and their “restricted funds” are mainly usedto provide are designated for aspecific purpose. These new name. We alsoreceive donations that “Change For The Better” concept under a monthly donations, which isthe familiar ‘Support Beyond Words’ program of regular we really need to seemore interest in the Other income remains about the same, but successful conference in Fort Worth, Texas. bit compared to last year thanks to our very basis. Our 2011 total revenue will beupa is here for them – We Are Not Alone! spread the good news for PWS that the NSA in enabling usto expand our outreach and centage of People Who Stutter. Money matters Experience” –but we reach such asmall per our annual conference isa “Life Changing greatly –how many times have Iheard that know that people whom we touch benefit as this issue of services that you have come to expect, such matters because it enables usto provide the it does, in more ways than one. First, money We callthis article “Money Matters” because BILL SMITH MONEY Member support helps the NSA stretch On the expense side, we compare very NSA continues on asound financial LETTING GO . Secondly, we MATTERS

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- member of the Chicago Metro North chapter. 2005. He lives in Riverwoods, Illinois, and isa been aboard member and treasurer since Bill Smith, aNSA member since 2000, has ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• information. financial NSA, aswell asany requests for additional Office regarding the various ways to support We welcome inquiries at the National the NSA in your estate planning process. we would behonored if you could consider And, while nobody likes to think about it, to consider this form of support aswell. of supporting the NSA –and we urge you likelyvery your most tax-efficient method has appreciated in value over the years is donations of stock –transferring stock which monthly income flow. monthly it helps to have anoffsetting reliable NSA staff, asmany of our expenses are of support isparticularly beneficial to the support your favorite charity. This method card. This isapainless and efficient way to is donated to NSA through your credit where eachmonth anamount you select up for the Support Beyond Words program, to do so. We particularly encourage signing special NSA family, and there are many ways will continue to support generously our very Stuttering Association, and trust that you done over the years to support the National $400,000.around small staff and anannual budget of only enable usto do alot with anextremely national conference. These generosities will stay with me forever. That was truly anunforgettable day, one that looked at me with respect and admiration. through fluent and non-fluent days, mypeers standing ovation. Iwas sohonored that even I got upto receive my award, Ireceived a given for being aninspirational leader. As awe of this amazing recognition that Iwas tears and applaud filled the room, I was in person who stutters. OH MY GOSH! While Government Association President and asa and inspiring leadership skillsasStudent LEADERSHIP THROUGHINSPIRATION We alsohave the ability to receive We sincerely appreciate what you have

continued

Stay strong and Stutter Beautifully! afraid to beafruitloop in aworld of cheerios. I hope it comes one day soon. Don’t be couragement of fellow persons who stutter, or tomorrow, but with the support and en Acceptance of stuttering may not come today Now, more than ever, Itruly believe that. who stutters isspecial in his or her own way. My mom has always said that eachperson to be aninspiration to those around you. to take achance, to make adifference, and By sharing my story, Ihope to inspire you Loo - Loo -Lookbeyond -Loo Loo the selfyu- When on my buh -buh -best duh -days, Gee -Gee -Geeenius lies in everyone, That bl -bl -blasted stuh -stuttering, Suh -Suh -Sooooh, Iin spite of me, to express my inner thuh -thoughts. then proceed with rewrote words, Nuh -Nuh -Nuh -No patience, So I-stuh -stuh -stuh -stew, self conscious thoughts ignored. self consciousness over whelms, for me when Iwish to respond. to avoid the muscle sp -spasm. when expression locked inside. find other means, other words, other means, other find reh -ready to express, when… but cah-can’t get it out. you see, release the inner you. in quiet, frustrated reflection. St -st -st -stut -stuttering, sometimes Ipause, silence, Ta - Ta - Talking not easy, Endurance some take for granted. Stuttered BY ROGERWHANCOCK ‘got much to say,

3 www.WeStutter.org CHAPTER NEWS BONNIE WEISS

The National Stuttering Association wishes traveled approximately one hour south of that he had found the group, and how to extend their deepest gratitude to Bonnie Buffalo to Fredonia, New York to present to it seemed to take a big weight off of his Weiss who has been compiling the Chapter a class of graduate students studying to be shoulders to talk about his stuttering since News section of the newsletter for nearly speech pathologists, taught by Ron Houk. he had never talked about it before – not two decades. This issue is Bonnie’s last, as she Each of the speakers started out by sharing even to his spouse. Everyone present had passes on the torch to David Blazina (former- their “stuttering stories”, and afterwards the a chance to share what had happened in ly of Odds & Ends!). Thank you, Bonnie, students were encouraged to ask questions. his or her lives since the last meeting. for your unfailing dedication to the NSA! The Buffalo Chapter continues to meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS MADISON, WISCONSIN the University at Buffalo. The newly formed group in Western Members of the Madison Chapter spoke Massachusetts held their 7th meeting to graduate students at the University at HOUSTON, TEXAS recently. In attendance were six people who Wisconsin about stuttering and how the Vicki Schutter writes that the September stutter and one student from Smith College NSA has changed their lives in a positive meeting of the Houston Chapter started off who plans to pursue speech pathology. Since way. The students were very receptive and small with four people in attendance. First- there were new folks at the meeting, they asked a number of questions about stuttering timer Brianna read the opening words and took time to go around the room and have therapy and how it has changed their lives. then the group had introductions and talked everyone introduce him- or herself. One of After the class was over, the chapter mem- about how the last month had been for each the newest members has had many negative bers and students got to taste a number of them. Two members (Donald and Felipe) feelings about his stuttering but thanks to of different pies that students had brought! arrived late and the meeting picked right up! the positive atmosphere and group support, The group then stopped at a local sports There was a lot of discussion on different has felt more positive recently. After watching bar to have dinner. topics as well as stuttering. some of the keynote speech by David Seidler at the Ft. Worth convention, group members BUFFALO, NEW YORK PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND had a great discussion and shared personal Buffalo Chapter members John Cheney, Rick The Providence NSA group welcomed back a information related to what David Seidler Holden, Adrian McAdory and Bonnie Weiss newer member, who shared how glad he was spoke about.

NSA 2011 a Big Hit with Attendees! JIM MCCLURE

The 2011 National Conference was a suc- experts’ among their top reasons for coming and fluency disorders. The 20-Somethings cess, and our survey of conference attendees to the conference. and Career Programs also received high confirms it. Nearly nine out of ten attendees David Seidler was a major draw for marks from participants. were very satisfied with their overall confer- this year’s attendees, and The King’s Speech While about one-quarter of parents said ence experience. 243 people responded to was a factor in the decision to attend for their children were initially reluctant to the survey. 58% of conference attendees and 69% of attend the conference, the overwhelming The majority of ‘First Timers’ felt welcome, First Timers. majority reported that their kids socialized and found it easy to meet and socialize with Overall, attendees were satisfied with readily, participated actively in workshops, people at the conference. The majority conference events and the way the confer- and enjoyed the overall conference experi- of these first-time attendees had no prior ence was organized and run, and we received ence. 80% said their children changed their affiliation with the NSA before they attended numerous positive comments about the NSA attitudes about stuttering. the conference. Many of these folks – 37.5% staff and volunteers. The general session with Attendees who stayed at the Renaissance of adults and 60% of parents – first heard David Seidler scored the highest satisfaction Worthington generally gave the hotel high about the NSA from a speech therapist. level. A few attendees had comments about marks, with more than 8 out of 10 very For adults, including First Timers, the conference schedule, workshop conflicts, satisfied with the hotel reservation process, socializing was the most important reason and the scramble for seats at the banquet. check-in/check-out, room quality, and help- for attending the conference, followed The majority of attendees said the fulness of the hotel staff. closely by improving self-esteem and self- conference either met or exceeded their Seven out of 10 attendees said they were confidence, getting support, and hearing expectations. Three-quarters of SLPs reported certain or very likely to attend next year’s keynote speakers. Parents and SLPs ranked that the conference was better than most conference, and we can’t wait to see you ‘learning about stuttering treatment from other educational opportunities in stuttering all there! www.WeStutter.org

4 NATIONAL STUTTERING ASSOCIATION CHANGING THELIVESOF PEOPLEWHOSTUTTER Angela Poskus Hymes Rochester workshopteam: (front) wins.six Weeks later the chapter hosted two to watch and celebrate syndicated television program, was when they were featured on the nationally Parents Tribune New York Daily News dia coverage included articles two by the in or included perspectives of its members. Me articles were written about the Queens group media fire about stuttering awareness. Several that rose to the occasion to help fuelthe the Queens chapter was one of many chapters tering community meant to him. humility, aswell asjust how much the stut premiere gave usaglimpse of his charm and ers. Conversation with Mr. Seidler after the Screenwriter, Dave Seidler; along with oth Colin Firth; Director, Thomas Hopper; and film and seeeventual Oscar-winners: Actor, attend the New York City premiere of the Several members had the opportunity to big fans of the experience of stuttering to the big screen. King’s Speech explosion about stuttering, and they have been at the forefront of this past year’s media bunch. This chapter, like many others, has educating others isnothing new to this active story on the WPIX News. Having while fun witness Met two wins; and 4-minute feature in which 80 attendees got to hang out and the second annual New York Mets outing Night in which nearly 30 people attended; mer with three events –Friends &Family Queens, NYendedtheir sum Chapter Approaching their third anniversary, the Busy Year forQueensand CHAPTER On Oscarnight members congregated In the months following the movie’s release, Members of the Queens chapter were , co-leader; . The Queens chapter’s big moment , MSNBC.com The King’s Speech , co-leader; to thank for accurately bringing Pat Sacco Rob Meyers ; and articles by the , and Paul Tucci The King’s Speech’s Jack Sutherland New YorkMetro from the start. , chapterwebmaster , co-leader; (back) Inside Edition ; Enid - SPOTLIGHT Times Times

The The - - - - King’s . continuing their regularly scheduled meetings. socializing activities with other chapters, while meeting. They look forward to ayear of more they have averaged between 15-20 people per tinues to improve and grow. Over the last year their unique bunch. The Queens chapter con enthusiastic about welcoming more people to simply enjoy eachother’s company and are friendships go beyond the meeting room. They often go beyond their scheduled times, while in community outreach efforts. Meetings website (www.nsaqueens.org) has alsohelped stutter cando so. The launching of their new those who are willingness to talk about their other and how they create aforum in which attributed to how the members encourage each while gaining the trust of new ones canbe each other. Their ability to keep members tering helps bring them together to support their diversity and how the experience of stut group as “a mini-United Nations” illustrates level. national we had on alocal level was alsothere on a to seethat the enthusiasm and chemistry that that were new to the conference were thrilled screenwriter hero, David Seidler. Members mer NFL quarterback, Neal Jeffrey, and their nity to hear great keynote speeches from for 800 others in the self-help stuttering commu Fort Worth, TX where they joined more than members flocked to the NSA conference in fluency classes in the area. stuttering, and have had steady gigs at graduate fessional seminars, other film viewings about Members alsoparticipated aspanelists at pro discussion and Q&A with chapter members. versity. Both viewings were followed by apanel viewings of Members, 7SLPs, and 8 Student-SLPs. with 11 former clients of Pat Sacco), 5Family (which included 10 NSA first-timers along 52 people speaker. The team was thrilled to enroll in support of people who stutter, was keynote Sacco, who has donated alifetime of service of Communication Sciences &Disorders. Pat cooperation with the Nazareth College Dept. theRaising Bar on Life’s Pursuits”, was held in Theirfirst Workshop, entitled “Stuttering: Summary ofRochesterNYWorkshop One reporter’s reference to the Queens During the summer over adozen Queens’ (Queens,NY) for the Workshop –30 PWS The King’s Speech MITCH TRICHON at St. John’s Uni John’s St. at

------FUNDING FORFLUENCY even come this far by attending graduate for me, and Ibegan to question why Ihad conceal. This waspainful experience avery my disability that Ihad tried for solong to minutes, everyone in the room discovered about seven months ago. Within amatter of to present apaper at atheology conference seemed to become a reality when I attempted to realize this dream. coupled with my stutter would not allow me feared that these important theological words My hope was to beatheology teacher, but I tine, Aquinas, and Anselm just to name afew. election, Artistotle, Athanasius, Arius, Augus fidei, analogia entis, a time. must come out. And they will. One word at of dysfluency must end eventually. The words with me isthe knowledge that the moment hopeless. One thing that Iwill always carry also know that Iam no longer helpless or lot of trials and moments of dysfluency. I that the path ahead inevitably promises a more to me than she will ever know. Iknow all over again. Her belief in me has meant patience asIhave learned how to speak for her help, encouragement, support, and like to offer aspecial thanks to my therapist myself asaperson who stutters. Iwould friendship asIhave slowly come to accept I amto one every of you for your help and opportunity to express to you how grateful with about my speech. person with whom Iwas ever truly honest to hear those words, especially from the first She might never know how much Ineeded last line of her email was “Hang in there.” to speak with me about speech therapy. The quickly replied and said she would bewilling I told her detail every of my struggle. She was completely honest with someone and her anemail. For the first time in my life, I searching speech therapy programs and wrote That evening, Ifound atherapist after re conference humbled me enough to seekhelp. my stuttering. Reading my paper at the I experienced such public humiliation from school and considering higher academia. immutability, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphism, immutability, The fear of not accomplishing my dream So here Iamtoday. Iamthankful for this Today, Icansay that Iamgrateful that atonement, apophatic, atonement, apophatic,

continued analogia

- 5 www.WeStutter.org ODDS &ENDS DAVID BLAZINA

2011 NJSHA Convention Report Queens 2nd Annual Mets Outing Hannah and George Laday from the Central On Monday, August 19th , for the 2nd year NJ Chapter of the NSA tended the NSA in a row, the Queens Chapter was fortunate booth at the 2011 NJSHA Convention which enough to take the NSA out to the Mets was held on April 28 & 29 at the Ocean game. Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, NJ. Irene, this NSA event had 80 members, Attendance was around 700 and the NSA friends, and family members in attendance. booth was right in the middle of the exhibi- Attendees were pleased to see an advertise- tor hall. Traffic was very heavy on the first ment for the NSA appear on the big screen day and it seemed as though people who in the fourth inning. had made a mental note to come back to the Old and new friends were able to catch booth to speak to us were the main visitors up and enjoy a beautiful night at Citi Field. on the second day. Aside from spending quality time with The cartoon posters flew off the table the fellow stutterers and friends, fans had the first day and people were still asking for them opportunity to see a double header where even after they were gone. Phil Schneider’s the Amazin’ Mets beat the Florida Marlins… DVD was also a big hit. The SLPs and stu- twice! It was an “Amazin’” night with truly PWS Speak to Class at GWU dents who spoke to us were very interested inspirational people who stutter. All are NSA members Jean Finstad, Sarah Bryant, to hear directly from PWS as we were able to welcome again next year! Alex Spirer, Mark Baer, and other PWS make it real for them and emphasize why it participated in a panel on stuttering for is so important for PWS to connect to other SLP Carl Herder’s graduate fluency class at PWS. It became very clear that this was a George Washington University in Wash- great opportunity to promote the Central NJ ington, DC. On the same night, NSA staff Chapter as well as NSA Chapters in general. member Mandy Finstad gave a presentation The biggest piece of information we on the NSA to the class. His students asked garnered from the weekend was that at least several great questions and took home lots of 10 SLPs stated that their case load of children NSA pamphlets and “goodies”! who stutter had suddenly, and significantly, increased. Of the SLPs who stated this, almost every one was eager to get more information about stuttering and improve their skills for helping children/people who stutter. Some openly acknowledged that “fluency is my weakness” but were dedicated to finding resources to assist them in providing therapy. Only one man said that he always refers clients who stutter because he is not qualified to provide therapy for stuttering, which is good, but he did not take one piece of literature from the NSA table.

NSA Fundraiser On August 5, the East Bay chapter held an open house/fundraiser for the NSA at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda, California. PPM has one of the nation’s largest collections of pinball machines and agreed to donate 1/3 of the admission price to the NSA. Thanks to PPM for making it such a great night and to everyone who came to support the NSA! www.WeStutter.org

6 NATIONAL STUTTERING ASSOCIATION CHANGING THELIVESOF PEOPLEWHOSTUTTER and ReynoldsAssociate Foundation, Hummel, SueFeng,Ted Powell,TheReynolds Grant, SandraMichael,ScottGamit, Shannon RoselynPeterson,Sandra Rose AnnHernandez, Richard Schwerdt, Richard Wuertz, RogerHoium, Hahn Okongwu, Mrs .Leonhardi, MyraWeiss, NaomiTatarek, Obim Michelle Valdez, MinjooLee,MirandaSmith,Mr & Marjorie Markowski, Michael & Lynn McNellis, Spitelli, MaryJohnson,MerrillLouisMeier, Michael Lane, Shannon Ledbetter, Lindy J.Jones&Sons,Inc, San Martin,Leonard Robin, KristinBarry,Downing, KristenHernandez, Laura Kenyatta Butler Shah, KarlJ.Paulsen, Kate Pilant,Kelly Benavidez, Shearry, JulianneSvingen, JulieKeran,Karan John Kingsley, John E .Berg,JohnHNelson,Joyce Jennifer Mallon,JoanneJensen, Joe Schirard, Aaron Archinal, H Long,JaneSueKaplan,JaniceChristiansen,Jay Howard Borchardt, J.P Battat, HenrikSorensen, J .Anderson,GraceGregory, Helene/Benjamin Gary WFries, Roberts, Frances&Richard Buzard, GaleSiegfreid, Eddie Brown Duffield Family H .Kaye,Diane&DavidRoss,DuaneWallaker, Deborah Greenwald, Deborah Marshall, Debra Dayana Avina Leshinsky, DavidG.SFinnigan,Mitzman, V Odegaard, Darcy Galane, Corrine S.Astrup, Cynthia Minchillo,Dale&Ann Christopher Szefi A .Krueger, CharlesW CharlesBornstein, Brooke West, BruceLarkin,C.Linderman,Catherine J .Whitemore, Annette Taylor, Barbara Cook, Amy Fletcher, AmySwedberg,AnnetteRathgeber, Holst, AliciaBrooker, AllisonCrow, ALThomas, King, AlanReznik,&GloriaGlass,AliceD. A .LHynes,Aaron Feng,AdamDlugacz,Agnes 0 to$49 our monthlycampaign,SupportBeyondWords . October 13,2011. 2011 .Thislistincludesalldonationsreceived asof the followingdonorsfortheirfinancialsupportin you canhelp. 800-WeStutter (800-937-8888)tofindouthow stock donations . Please visit WeStutter tions, combinedFederalCampaigndonations,or all, includingonetimedonations,monthlydona ways tocontributeatalevelthatiscomfortable tant than ever to give back . There are many easy stutter support organizationinthecountryforpeoplewho yourhelp,theNSAhasbecomelargest With children andadultswhostuttertheirfamilies. bers tosustainandprovide supportservicesto The NSArelies onfinancialsupportfrom itsmem A Special Thanks toOurDonors .Nordland, On behalf of thousandsrecipients, we thank As the NSA expands its reach, it is more impor , PrasanthBathaeKumaresh, Richard Kellogg, . Mara Ormond Oscar Flores Daron Bolat Jenifer C.Avina Geri Allison Brandi McDevitt , Elise Robinson, Ellen Pokorny , EliseRobinson,EllenPokorny , DebbieStaloff, DebbyBayne, Jean &MandyFinstad , EarlPerkins,K.Sampson, , KermethW , ChuckCorbin,CoraCampbell, Lynne HebertRemson Bolded Names .Maloney, JamesPike,Jane , Margaret Seath,Martino , PatriciaTwomey, Darlene Brown , GloriaJ.Klumb,Greta , DaveGutman,David Hernandez Family Hernandez Lisa Wilson Bob Smith Linda Matthews .Northwick,Kerry , JenniferJ.Milke, John Carpenter , Brian Theobald, Theobald, Brian , alsosupport .org or call , Darlene , Lynn & , Jean& Therese , Bonita , Lynne .Folk, Peter .& - - - , , ,

Matthews Bradberry Khoury Weinberger, Albert Faris, Adriana J Digrande, Akhil Khandelwal, Alan $100-$199 Anand & RickFranz, Susan Shevlin,SuzetteMorgan,Tom Lakritz,Tracy Robert Drumheller, SherieBorok, StaceyLBuck, Philip A.Liben,ReneeBieri,RobertaGoldenberg, Peggy Gardner, PeoSisterhoodChamperIMaine, O’Donnell, Dr Michael &SuzenneCruz,HGarcia, Patricia Salinas, MarkAllen,H.Roaman,MattBerbee, Lisa Kroner & MarybethPride,KimCummings,LauraChapman, Parsons, JohnHaskell,MD’Amelio,Kenneth Joan Cieply, JoanieCahalan,JohnMoretta, John James Sowders,JennaBarke,JimDeFreitas, Gwendolyn Volstad, Inge Gatz-Gilbar, Irwin Doben, Stanford, GailPogach,GaryAuker, GusAlvarado, Olish Sara, Nash, BethBienvenu,Blaine&DonnaHolmes,Brad Angela Stiff Aishah O.Saktawi,AlexKuzmenko,Andre ABalogh, $50-$99 Kruger,Polanki, William A.Downs William Bourg, Toni &BradLukes,Valeria Alvarez, Varadaja Dowgiallo Kathy &GeorgeQuick,KayFreeman Dodge, Diaz Tamayo, Mortman R Faust Howard Delman Financial Group LLC,H.CarlSturcke, HananHurwitz, Gerald Higgins Moreland, EricaPerez, George&HannahLaday, Angell, Ed Bloom, Edmund Green, Ellen Lobue, Ellen Van Reeth Daniel Quinn,Darcy Galane,DavidFriedman, Cynthia Greaves, DailyTravel, DanaMicheleMoreno, Charley Adams Quadrini, Carmela D’Alessandro, Carole Booth, Bonnie McKenzie Reddy & Rebecca Tardy, Tanya Banks Susan Miller, Steve Classe, Sarah D’Agostino,SeanHare, Shari&BrianSilver, Schuff Peter Brophy, PhilipGarber, Randall Berg, OB Benson,PacificPinballMuseum,PatriciaRind, Nancy Huntingdon,NoLimitTravel, Swaney, MountPleasant DentalCare, Nancy Hall, Yoelin, Connelly, Christine Currie E Tarrell, MarinMartin,MarkMoreland, Marcialyn Robinowitz,Margaret E.Classe,Maria Lynn Medoff, Thomas Kincaid,Lawrence Brandwein,LeeDavis, Carbonaro , Karen Rees,Karen &AthanasiosMerminags, , Celeste Caradonna, Christy Ludlow, Donald Brian J. McCann , Wallace Cleland , RodneyLake, , Michael Renzi , Andy & Stacey Fitzenrider, Whittaker Family , JenniferMoyer, JennyStriplin, Joe Mirly , JimMcGuinness,JoanTober, Joanne Marty Leisner , ArthurBachner, BillKulina, , BillParry, , DonDunning,Dr , Tina Brix-Alden, Tina Morris,Todd Brix-Alden,Tina , Tina , , LisaP , AriGershonovitch,Arthur&Lyndia Ken St.Louis , Taro Alexander, Teena Chesters,Tom .PaulCascella,&LizBencker, Susanne Stevenson Lynne Shields Steven Kaufman Tricia Krauss-Lehrman , ChitraMurthy, CoppenFamily, , Mark&RobinStewart,Martin , Gregg Benedikt,Grindstone , J.RedwinePatterson, , JohnUnflat,JonSmith, , BradleyCampbell,Brandon Vishnu VardhanVishnu Pabbhathi .Turvey, Lynee Larson,Mario , Ron Mitchell , Catherine Hoskins, Michael Roybal Bob Baudry , Amanda Lara , William (Bill)R.Kadan , William Matt Murtha , KyleBoone,Lauren .RobertOrringer, Earl , Marc Guy Fagnan, , North Family , SuzyMerin, , RonRoman, Sue Camlin , BobBirch, , MontyS. , , , Merritt Mark & Reuben Andrea Jerome Joseph Vikesh Vikesh Annie Cathy David Jason Kelly Bill , , Alexandra D’Agostino $200-299 issue of we willpublishthecorrectionin asubsequent ately [email protected] and omitted, please contact the NSA officeimmedi If yournamehasbeenmisspelled or inadvertently Tzell Travel Group $35,000 andover Liben Family $20,000 andover Games Family $10,000 andover William Smith Bettinger Network), Carolyn McDuffie Delaney, ErinDyer, Aman Kumar, Barry Cohen,Gavin&Darlene $5,000-$9,999 Richard Benedikt,StephenSorensen Mark Irwin,Michael Batt, Rabbi&SylviaGoldman, Wood Keith Schutzman, Kleinman, of NewYork, Inc.,Chris&JoanneRoach,Ira Mannisi, ChristopherRusso,ChestnutHoldings Betsy Berry, $500-$749 Marilyn Langevin,Teresa Hiney Bob Quesal $400-$499 Davis Weeks, Grossman, Anne Pittard $300-$399 Susanne Ebersbach Sherri Carroll, Russ Hicks, Sanchez Oil & Gas, & SteveTufts, Richard Krebsbach, RobertLough, Nancy Omlid,Becker, Matt Krause, Kaufman, Frank Gregorio, Janie&RobertLong,Lynne Dwight Tony Ivy Steve Schlansky, Levis Glass, Bill Barnaby, Bob Koste, Tim Bryant $1,000 -$4,999 Richard Baker, Sisskin Vivian Bill Nimelman $750-$999 Peter Roumeliotis Judith Eckardt Joan Ross Gelane White,HumbertoRivero, JackSutherland, , , Brenda Kiser LETTING GO. Lee &NinaReeves Mel Hoffman Marian Wiseman , Seiba Family JimMcClure Jeff Menkes , Jordan Abshire, Victoria Schutter Victoria , AnthonyValle, Anthony&Lisa Michael McDuffie , Bill Smith Fred Murray , DouglasScott,MartinGould, Steve Hood , , Debbie Nicolai Marybeth Allen , EJWyeth, Ken Koroll , ShelleyBrundage,UcheJEyisi , GarryBenjoya(SpecialKid’s Bernie WeinerBernie , Ernie Canadeo Ernie Wayne Mackin , Carol Green, Cindy& , JohnGreil, , ShannonBeaty, , MichaelSmith, , AllanBrown, , , Marc Kabat,Mary Carol Buckingham , MathewZenkowich, Paul Young , , SueSchlafmann, , JohnTetnowski, Sharon Feldman , Maguire Family , William Lynch,, William , Morris Wilburn, , Morris Wilburn, Eeva Stierwalt , Joseph White Kevin &Pattie Bob Lee Dick Thamert , MikeLee, Joy Emery , Heather , Fred & , Peggie Tamara , Chad Bailey Terry - , , , , , , ,

7 www.WeStutter.org Cincinnati Style Fundraising MIRANDA SMITH

The idea of hosting a fundraiser to raise King’s Speech DVD’s that had been donated money for the National Stuttering Associa- by Revolver Entertainment. On my way to tion came to me as a way of giving back. Gold Star Chili a little before 5 o’clock that The NSA has given me so much happiness evening I was nervous, I didn’t know who and a sense of belonging in the two short would show up that night, or if anyone would years that I have been involved with the even show up! But I was excited to spread organization. From their Annual Conference the word about stuttering and the National Happy Holidays! to an awesome support group for adults and Stuttering Association to anyone who would On behalf of the NSA Board of Directors teens in Cincinnati; a group of teenagers be there. As I walked in the door just before Barry Liben, Bill Smith, Cathy Olish, across the country that I can relate to and 5 o’clock, there were already several regular Ernie Canadeo, Stephanie Coppen, connect with everyday through social media customers there, waiting until 5 o’clock to Sheryl Hunter, Mitch Trichon, to their Teen Advisory Council (TAC); and pay because they knew that their purchases Stephanie Nicolai, Jim McClure, now the honor of being elected the newest wouldn’t count towards the NSA until after Kenny Koroll, Dr. Gerald Maguire, member of the Board of Directors as Chair 5 o’clock! Kristina told me that I already had Vivian Sisskin, John Tetnowski of the TAC, there is so much that I wanted $45 in cash donations that my regular cus- and our staff to give back to the NSA financially, but I tomers had been dropping off at the restau- Tammy Flores, Mandy Finstad, couldn’t do it out of my own pocket. rant earlier that day for her to give to me to Sarah D’Agostino, and Melissa Lopez I knew the restaurant that I work at – go towards the NSA, at that moment I knew we wish you and your loved ones a Gold Star Chili, known as ‘The Flavor of the night was going to be a huge success! healthy and happy holiday season! Cincinnati’ – holds ‘ten percent’ nights for I set up a table by the cash register with local schools and other organizations where a purple tablecloth and began passing out ten percent of the sales between 5PM and bracelets, pins, and copies of Family Voices/ few “Stutter Like A Rock Star” bracelets and 9PM one evening go to that organization. Letting Go to everyone and talking to them copies of Family Voices/Letting Go as she However, the job for that organization is to about what the National Stuttering Associa- slipped a donation into the jar. I feel like, get people to come and eat at the restaurant tion does, how much it means to me, and even though that lady didn’t stutter, my goal that night. The more people who come, the all about my own stuttering. Everyone was accomplished by just giving her informa- more money Gold Star Chili makes, and the was accepting, intrigued, and impressed tion in hopes that she would share it with more money the organization gets. all night, especially with the “Stutter Like someone, like her niece, that did stutter. My roommate and best friend, Kristina A Rock Star” bracelets! Days after the fundraiser, I noticed an (who knows all about the awesomeness of I was touched that so many people that orange “Stutter Like A Rock Star” bracelet the NSA!) is the General Manager at Gold I had invited came out and showed their still on one of my coworkers wrists and it Star Chili, it was easy for me to set up a ten support and interest. The people that shocked made me smile to think that I played a huge percent night to raise money for the NSA. I me the most and meant the most to me were part in raising stuttering awareness, and I immediately began to make flyers promot- my family. When they walked in to show their wondered how many other people who ing my fundraiser and passed them out to support, I was floored! Not just my immedi- had come to Gold Star Chili that night every customer I waited on a week before the ate family, but my Uncle, Grandparents, and were still wearing that bracelet. Thanks to fundraiser, explaining the National Stuttering cousins all came, and brought their friends family, friends, many regular customers, the Association to regular customers and com- and neighbors! Most of my family has never Cincinnati Chapter of the NSA, Burlington plete strangers and stuttering through every heard of the NSA, nor do they know that I Gold Star Chili and their customers, and one word! I also advertised on Facebook numer- am so involved with them. online donation, a total of $410 was raised ous times and sent out numerous emails to I didn’t set a monetary goal for the night for the National Stuttering Association. This family, friends, family of friends, friends of but I did set a goal to introduce the NSA number was beyond any of my expectations friends, and friends of family. to someone who stutters. By the end of the that I had for the night and I am very happy The night of my fundraiser came and I was night, there was a lady who came up and with it. By hosting this fundraiser I feel I have beyond prepared with plenty of “Stutter Like talked to me and said her niece stutters and not only given back to the NSA a small por- A Rock Star” bracelets, “If You Stutter, You’re had no idea that the NSA or any support tion of what they have given to me but I have Not Alone” pins, and copies of Family Voices/ groups to help her existed. I happily gave also inspired many other teenagers to look Letting Go, along with a donation jar and a her my contact information, told her about into hosting a fundraiser and raising stutter- raffle of five copies of The Man Behind The our Cincinnati Chapter, and she grabbed a ing awareness in their own communities.

LETTING GO is a forum for views and information about stuttering. The opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily the opinion of the National Stuttering Association. The NSA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any opinion or information provided by any contributor, nor do we endorse or reject any therapeutic strategies, programs, or devices mentioned in these pages. ©2011 National Stuttering Association. All rights reserved.