Virtual Learning

Virtual Learning by The Stuttering Foundation is an online series of free, interactive workshops with a variety of offerings for speech-language pathologists, parents, and individuals who stutter.

The series includes monthly offerings ranging from clinical training opportunities, to parent education, to a platform for people who stutter of all ages to share their stories. Sessions are moderated by many of the world’s leading clinicians, researchers, and self-help advocates — bringing learning and collaboration to you.

Understanding Stuttering: The Value of a Simple (But Not Too Simple) Explanation

Speaker: Evan Usler Ph.D., University of Delaware

Date: April 15, 2024

Time: 5:15-6:30pm ET

Click Here to Register

Description: Developmental stuttering has been long known as a great mystery. Stuttering behaviors differ with considerable variability in manner, frequency, and intensity. Stuttering is often paradoxical in its signs and symptomology—often removing a sense of agency from not only the speaker, but the clinicians and caregivers who seek to help. Furthermore, recent research findings into the neurobiological complexities of the disorder (although exciting) may make us feel ever more confused as we descend down the rabbit hole of stuttering etiology. How do we make sense of stuttering? The good news is we know much more about stuttering than many assume. This session will explore the theoretical and clinical value of a simple (but not too simple) explanation of stuttering. It is hoped that this session will empower participants to deduce their own simple, yet evidence-based, explanations targeted to specific audiences, including people who stutter and their families.

CELEBRITY FOCUS

John Stossel

John Stossel is one of the most recognized and articulate reporters today. However, he once considered giving up his broadcasting career because of his stuttering.

“Fear of stuttering can easily become worse than the stuttering itself,” observed Stossel. “The idea that I’m on television and making speeches is still a shock to me sometimes.”

Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles, a former player for The Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers, made history in 2007 when he became the first player in NFL history to return a kickoff and a punt for his first two NFL touchdowns in the same game. In 2021, he was selected to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Dave Taylor

Dave Taylor has been on the Stuttering Foundation's list of Famous People Who Stutter for many years, but probably few people know all of the unique accomplishments of this former hockey great who was born on December 4, 1955, in Levack, Ontario.

Ken Venturi

As much of the nation watches the U.S. Open Golf Championship, it is impossible not to think about our late friend Ken Venturi. Ken overcame many challenges to win the Open at Congressional in 1964 and go on to become the voice of golf for more than three decades.

However, Ken faced no bigger obstacle than stuttering. Ken Venturi was a champion to those who stutter, going out of his way to share his personal experience when consulted by a colleague, friend, or child who stutters.

Mel Tillis

Mel Tillis, born Lonnie Melvin Tillis, was an influential figure in country music, both as a songwriter and a performer. His journey to fame was marked by overcoming personal challenges, including a stutter that he turned into a defining part of his public persona.