I hope that 2014 is a year in which your children
are safe, healthy, and talking with self-confidence. You have supported
your children in a world that values speed and efficiency over patience
and attention. Thank you for being the change.
Five wonderful challenges took my time this fall:
1.
I spoke to a class of
graduate students at the University of Connecticut. The topic was treatment for
stuttering in preschool children.
2.
I was a guest on the
National Stuttering Association Family Radio show. We discussed the
relationship between the speech-language pathologist and family.
3.
I facilitated a
workshop for teens at the National Stuttering Association Family Day at Boston
University.
4.
I presented a
two-hour workshop for a local school district.
5.
Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP,
BRS-FD of Stuttering Therapy Services/Seminars, PLLC, spoke to the Maine Speech
Language and Hearing Association and I was there. Local workshops about
stuttering are rare and Nina is one of the best therapists in the country.
All of this prompted me to reflect on my 30+ years as a
speech-language pathologist. It's been hard work and wonderfully
rewarding. I've watched changes in education and health care
reduce access to stuttering therapy and live continuing education workshops. My
response in 2014 will be to assemble a workbook for free regional, small-group workshops.
Thank goodness the Stuttering Foundation and the National Stuttering Association continue
to inform and support us. I recommend you take a listen to StutterTalk as well, where you will
find podcasts representing a variety of opinions about stuttering with
Peter Reitzes as a polite and unbiased host. These outstanding
organizations deserve our gratitude. Let us support them in 2014 and beyond.
Happy New Year!
Judy