SFA speech pathology clinic celebrates sixth year offering Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s speech pathology clinic, the Stanley Center for Speech and Language Disorders, is celebrating its sixth consecutive year as the recipient of a Parkinson Voice Project grant that enables the center to offer the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.

Developed by the PVP, the SPEAK OUT! program helps people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This highly effective, evidence-based treatment combines education, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups. Patients are empowered to “speak with intent,” transitioning speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

“Up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of losing their ability to speak,” said Samantha Elandary, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder and chief executive officer. “In addition, swallowing complications account for 70% of the mortality rate in this patient population. Our vision at Parkinson Voice Project is to make quality speech therapy accessible to people with Parkinson’s worldwide.”

Housed within the James I. Perkins College of Education, the Stanley Center for Speech and Language Disorders is a teaching clinic on the SFA campus staffed by graduate students, under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, as part of their required clinical hours.

“Our services benefit all involved: they provide real-world experience for students aspiring to become speech-language pathologists while helping clients enhance their vocal intent and awareness,” said Deena Petersen, director of the center. “Our students all receive SPEAK OUT! training from the Parkinson Voice Project grant and are able to provide the therapy to clients with Parkinson’s disease in our clinic.

“Additionally, for individuals with Parkinson's disease, this therapy can be transformative as it incorporates cognitive exercises to keep the mind engaged and active. Many clients experience improved swallowing ability through vocal exercises, as well."

Following the individual SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, participants can graduate onto a SPEAK OUT! group for continued group therapy.

For more information about SFA’s Stanley Center for Speech and Language Disorders, visit the Stanley Center's website or contact Petersen at petersend@sfasu.edu.