Family Connections at the NSA 2026 Community Summit
The NSA 2026 Community Summit, formerly known as the NSA Annual Conference is more than just a stuttering conference; it's a transformative experience for people who stutter and their families. From workshops tailored for kids ages 6–9, tweens 10–12, and teens 13–17, to sessions for parents, siblings, and caregivers, the summit offers something for every member of the family. Adults who stutter, career professionals, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are also invited to connect, learn, and grow as part of this welcoming community. Much more than a traditional conference, the NSA stuttering conference includes fun outings, social events, and interactive activities that help families unwind, build lifelong friendships, and feel a deep sense of belonging. Join us in Scottsdale and experience why the NSA Summit is often described as one big family reunion, because when we gather, no one stutters alone.
The NSA strives to provide all attendees with a sense of camaraderie, acceptance, and empowerment at our conferences as well as to educate attendees about stuttering, regardless of whether they are a PWS (person who stutters) or a family member of a PWS. The NSA’s motto is “If you stutter, you’re not alone” and that’s what the conference is all about. Kids, tweens and teens who stutter are able to meet others like them and truly feel accepted for who they are. The conference is truly a life-changing experience for all who attend! Veteran attendees, whether adults, parents, teens, or kids, will tell you that they look forward to the next conference from the moment the current one ends and that by attending the conference each year they have formed life-long friendships.
The conference provides a unique chance to gain knowledge through participation in workshops, while also fostering an environment that facilitates the formation of lasting relationships among attendees.
Kids, Tweens, Teens & Family Programs At our conferences, kids, tweens, and teens who stutter will explore their thoughts and feelings about stuttering in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment while having the opportunity to learn from others and foster lasting friendships. Parents, siblings, and family members will have these same opportunities, forming support networks that develop and deepen through ongoing contact and become stronger year after year at each conference.
Children must be 6 years old at the time of the conference and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. We encourage the entire family to attend the conference, but we do not offer individual babysitting services, nor do we accept children being dropped off in workshops strictly as a means of childcare. Children attending workshops must be able to follow simple directions, be respectful of their peers, and workshop presenters. Please keep in mind the minimum age of 6 is a guideline and if you are unsure that your 6-year-old child will be able to participate in a meaningful way in workshops, we encourage you to make other arrangements for them.
The Conference kicks off with registration on Wednesday morning, followed by an afternoon of workshops and activities, so we encourage attendees to arrive Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning to avoid feeling rushed and to allow for any unforeseen travel challenges.
Yes! Our programs kick off on Wednesday afternoon, and the first workshop sessions provide an opportunity for participants to connect with others in their group. It also allows you to ask any questions or express any concerns before the main events begin.
We strive to offer new workshops each year; however, the kids and tweens can still look forward to the popular scavenger hunt, stuttering jeopardy, arts and crafts, and other fun workshops designed specifically for them. Kids, tweens and their parents will also get to participate in our Family Olympics! Teens always enjoy our open microphone and icebreaker sessions in addition to workshops tailored specifically to them by the Teen Advisory Council and other workshop presenters! The kids, tweens, and teens will also gain insight and learn from adults attending the conference. Parents can look forward to parent roundtables, discussions, and interactive workshops. As we get closer to the conference, please visit our website regularly to stay up to date on workshops, activities, and outings.
Absolutely! We are excited to offer numerous events for families – various tours, bingo, and of course the celebration banquet which includes a DJ and dancing Saturday evening. We hope you enjoy the variety of options we provide. Be sure to check the website regularly for event and activity updates as the conference date approaches.
Check-in with anyone at the NSA Registration desk or NSA Staff and Volunteers wearing matching NSA t-shirts. We want to ensure you have an amazing conference experience and are always happy to help!
The Family Program of the conference is open to kids & teens ages 6-17. The kids, tweens, and teens are separated into smaller, more age-appropriate groups. There is always an assortment of ages represented at the conference and your child will most certainly be able to meet and forge friendships with other kids their age.
Siblings are welcome at the conference if they are at least 6 years old and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. The NSA Family Program offers workshops specifically for siblings and they are also welcome to attend workshops along with their sibling who stutters. However, workshops should not be a substitute for childcare. If a sibling is not able to participate in a meaningful and respectful manner in workshops, we respectfully request that you make other arrangements for them so that all our attendees are able to get the most out of each workshop and their overall conference experience.
The NSA does not provide childcare. Please contact the hotel concierge for details on any childcare service they may provide.
All NSA staff and volunteers have been thoroughly vetted and background screened. We also uphold a strict practice of ‘two or more’, which means that no one child is ever alone with any one adult. Additionally, parents are required to sign their children ages 6-10 in and out of workshops. No child under 10 years old will be released from a workshop without a parent or guardian signing them out. For children 11 and older, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) and their child to decide upon an arrangement that works for them at the conclusion of each workshop.
This is a normal response, especially for first timers! We often hear from parents and kids/tweens/teens that once they get past the initial nervous moments, they feel like they’ve known the other attendees forever. Many parents report that once their child attended their first workshop, even if begrudgingly, and made new friends, they don’t see much of them again until it’s time to leave on Sunday! If you or your child is still apprehensive, members of our Family Programs Committee and Teen Advisory Council would be happy to reach out to you or your child prior to the conference to go over what to expect and ease both you and your child’s mind.
Please contact our NSA National Office at 1-800-937-8888 or Info@WeStutter.org
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