Categorized | Health

Video available at public libraries to help kids who stutter

MEDIA RELEASE

Kids who stutter have a lot to say, and friends can show them how in Stuttering: For Kids By Kids, a video starring kids who stutter, available at most public libraries.

Many children who stutter have never met anyone else who struggles with the same disability. But in this video from the Stuttering Foundation, they meet other kids who recount how they handle challenges such as teasing, speaking out in class, and teaching others about stuttering.

Swish, a lively and engaging animated basketball character designed by students at Purdue University, narrates the DVD. The children, who range in age from first-graders to high school students, offer frank and sometimes differing views of stuttering.

For example, Matthew, 10, says about his speech difficulties, “It’s no big deal;” but Kate, 9, worries about talking, what is going to happen next and whether or not she’ll stutter.

Arianne, 14, says, “The hardest part about stuttering is to get through it and to stay in there when you’re stuck.”

Umang, 12, agrees, “Sometimes it gets kind of annoying when you want to say something and you can’t. I also get worried what other people might think if I do stutter and wonder if I’ll be able to get out of my blocks and things.”

“All those interested in helping kids learn more about stuttering will want to see this tape,” said speech-language pathologist Bill Murphy of Purdue University. “The children featured are a perfect example of how to openly and honestly handle stuttering.”

“This is an important tool for families and teachers of kids who stutter,” added Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation.

Other professionals and specialists in stuttering taking part in this production include Kristin A. Chmela, Northwestern University, Joe Donaher, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Lisa Scott of Florida State University and Lee Caggiano of the support group for children, Friends.

The video is available at the following Big Island libraries:

* Hilo Public Library; Hilo
* Holualoa Public Library; Holualoa
* Honokaa Public Library; Honokaa
* Kailua-Kona Public Library; Kailua-Kona
* Keaau Public Library; Keaau
* Kealakekua Public Library; Kealakekua
* Laupahoehoe Public Library; Laupahoehoe
* Mt. View Public Library; Mountain View
* Naalehu Public Library; Naalehu
* Pahala Public Library; Pahala
* Pahoa Public Library; Pahoa
* Thelma Parker Public Library; Kamuela

Several books and DVDs produced by the 66-year-old nonprofit Stuttering Foundation are available free to any public library.

For further information, call the Foundation at 800-992-9392 or e-mail info@stutteringhelp.org.

— Find out more:
www.stutteringhelp.org

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