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The National Stuttering Association (originally called the National Stuttering Project, or NSP) was founded in California in January of 1977 by Bob Goldman and Michael Sugarman.
Early efforts of the organization focused on its community outreach program. Through Public Service Announcements (PSAs), advertisements in local newspapers, and appearances on local radio and television shows, the first members worked to spread the word about stuttering and about the new organization for people who stutter or stammer.
One of the group’s most important early projects was to establish local self-help groups across California and today, the NSA has more than 125 local support-group chapters nationwide.
In 1988, thanks to the advocacy of a group of members and their local representatives, the President of the United States signed a proclamation establishing the second week of May as National Stuttering Awareness Week. Later, the organization declared 1996 the Year of the Child Who Stutters, and hosted symposia around the country focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of young people who stutter. In 2001, the NSA hosted the first joint symposium for scientists and consumers: Pioneering Stuttering Research in the 21st Century. This meeting focused on building partnerships and fostering collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and people who stutter, to address research needs in the field of stuttering and stuttering treatments.
The NSA’s history reflects an unwavering commitment to helping adults and children who stutter, their families and the clinicians who serve them. The organization’s history of growth shows the success of its mission, outreach programs and message of hope, dignity, support, education and empowerment for children and adults who stutter, their families, and the professional community.
Find an NSA meeting near you.
To learn more about these programs, use the menu at the left. You can also contact the NSA at (800) We Stutter (800-937-8888 ) or email us at info@WeStutter.org.
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