Published: December 23, 2009 09:44 am      

Video offers hope to adults and teens who stutter

For the three million Americans who stutter, not being able to say their own name is just one of the many challenges which confront them as they start their work day.

Help is available for adults and teenagers who stutter in the form of a DVD available at the Thorntown Public Library in Thorntown and the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville.

“We focus on demonstrating a variety of therapy strategies that are appropriate in working with adults and teens,” said Dr. Peter Ramig of the University of Colorado at Boulder. “We also answer questions about stuttering and present examples of therapy sessions showing how stuttering can be reduced.”

“Stuttering remains a mystery to most people,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation said. “Research strongly supports the fact that stuttering is not caused by psychological problems nor are people who stutter any less intelligent than those who don't.”

“This videotape is meant to give stutterers some insight into the tools they need to begin dealing with stuttering, but it also offers good ideas for family members, speech-language pathologists and health care professionals,” said Barry Guitar one of six nationally recognized experts appearing in the video produced by the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation.

“We have seen people who stutter not only learn to deal with stuttering effectively, but go on to become better than average communicators.” He notes that this century's most eloquent speaker, Winston Churchill, stuttered and yet became a renowned statesman recognized for his oratory skills.

The video features men and women who stutter from the United States and Canada, discussing their experiences with stuttering and the techniques that have helped them. They talk openly about the problems they face in the workplace and how stuttering affects their lives and their self esteem.

The 55-minute DVD, “If You Stutter: Advice for Adults,” is available free to all public libraries. Some libraries have an older video format. If you wish to check it out and your library doesn’t have it, ask them to contact the Stuttering Foundation at 1-800-992-9392 or visit www.stutteringhelp.org or www.tartarmudez.org.