Stuttering Advocacy at SSEAT...Five Ways You Can Become a Good Advocate for Yourself & Others

Five Ways You Can Become a Good Advocate for Yourself & Others

Written by Stan Craig

1. Good Advocates Learn About and Understand Stuttering: Knowledge is empowerment. Stuttering individuals and those who love them require knowledge from doctors, specialists, language interventionists, special education experts, and anyone else who can provide information about stuttering. Equally as important, you should take the time to understand the lived experiences of stuttering individuals, which comes from listening to their stories and researching the experiences of both children and adults who stutter. 
2. Good Advocates Ask Questions and Listen to the Answers about Stuttering: Whether you're seeking advice from an expert or getting a know a new friend who stutters, ask thoughtful questions and listen with the intent to learn and support. Patient and empathetic listening are key to understanding someone who stutters- it might take them longer to share their ideas, but be assured their ideas are just as valuable as those of a fluent speaker. Build relationships and keep the lines of communication open. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings are less likely if everyone listens with the intent to understand rather than fix the stutter- leave the therapy to the experts.
3. Good Advocates are Vocal about Stuttering: After you've taken the time to understand the science and everyday struggles of stuttering, share what you know. Be open about stuttering, whether in a family, school, social, or work environment. If you stutter, share your experiences. If your loved one stutters, educate family members, friends, classmates and colleagues. If you're a parent of a stuttering child, use your voice to educate teachers, school administrators, coaches, and other adults in your child's life. Open dialogue about stuttering will foster acceptance and empathy. Also, use your voice when you or a loved one faces discrimination or unkindness as a result of their stuttering. Click here to learn more about stuttering and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
4. Good Advocates Access Support for Themselves and Others: So many people want to help. Speech pathologists along with language research institutes, such as Hollins Communications Research Institute, offer therapy with goals that range from acceptance and management of disfluent speech patterns, to intense intervention that teaches individuals how to breathe and speak differently. 
5. Good Advocates are Patient: Patience is required to find the right match for stuttering support, such as intervention and mentoring- it will take time and experimentation. Do your research and stay informed. If the first line of intervention is not successful, try a new therapy or approach. Patience is required to show yourself or a stuttering loved one grace when they are struggling- and there will be struggles! Listening to the bumpy, stutter-filled speech of a friend requires patience and compassion. Offer words of support, such as, "Take your time. I'm here for you," or "I value what you have to say, and I am happy to listen," or "I can tell you're struggling. Please know that I'm here for you, and I have all the time you need." It's also helpful to simply listen quietly, smile, and nod along while your stuttering friend speaks. Offer the stuttering speaker your patience and space to speak freely. Sometimes your patient smile and silence are support enough!