Stuttering Foundation Applauds ABC, Creators for New Comedy Series Speechless

For Immediate Release
Contact: Greg Wilson
greg@curleycompany.com
(571) 239-7474

Memphis, Tenn., (Sept. 27, 2016) — Stuttering Foundation President Jane Fraser today applauded ABC and the creators of the new comedy Speechless for its focus on persons with disabilities, and the humorous and moving family dynamic it portrays that resonates with so many parents and siblings.

“Although this show is not about stuttering, it is about struggle, finding a voice, and forming a support structure that works for everyone in the family—all within the framework of a show that brings a belly-laugh and a sympathetic tear to viewers,” said Fraser.

“For the stuttering community, the movie The King’s Speech brought a tsunami of understanding to a commonly misunderstood disorder that affects 70 million people around the world. Speechless adds to that understanding by reminding us that people with disabilities are part of the fabric of our families and communities, and can enrich our lives tremendously if we open our hearts. Especially when it comes to our children, nobody should feel speechless,” she added.

Fraser encouraged parents of children who stutter to know their rights under U.S. law to be considered for free speech therapy from their local school district. For more information, review our brochure.

Speechless premiered on September 21, 2016, and airs at 8:30pm ET/PT on ABC on Wednesday evenings.

Foundation Spokesperson Jane Fraser
Jane Fraser is president of The Stuttering Foundation and co-author of If Your Child Stutters: A Guide for Parents, 8th edition. She is also vice president of the Action for Stammering Children, Michael Palin Centre, London.

About the Stuttering Foundation
Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman and stutterer, established and endowed the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including informational materials, services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

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