From Awareness to Action: How NSA Programs Make a Difference
- National Stuttering Association
- Sep 25
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The National Stuttering Association (NSA) has long been a leader in advocacy, education, and support for people who stutter (PWS). While raising awareness is crucial, we go further by transforming knowledge into meaningful action.
But how exactly do we make a difference? From stuttering support groups and national conferences to workplace advocacy and research efforts, we are changing lives. This article will explore the key initiatives that drive this mission forward and their impact on PWS, their families, and professionals.
Local Chapters: Building Community & Confidence
One of our most impactful programs is its nationwide network of NSA Chapters. These groups provide a safe space for PWS to share experiences, practice speaking in a supportive environment, and connect with others who understand the stuttering experience.
Many PWS have reported that joining an NSA Chapter was the first time they ever met another person who stutters. Connecting with others facing similar challenges helps individuals reframe their perspective on stuttering and build self-acceptance.
People who stutter are often isolated and don't know anyone else who stutters. When we meet another person who stutters, there is no guarantee that they want to talk about it. One of the most powerful things about NSA Chapter meetings is being able to share with others who understand. No longer alone! — John Raab
NSA Connects: Virtual Support at Your Fingertips
Recognizing that not everyone can attend in-person events, we created NSA Connects, a virtual program offering live webinars, discussion groups, and interactive workshops.
NSA Connects provides nationwide access to support, offers targeted discussions on mental health, workplace challenges, and self-advocacy, and connects PWS, families, and professionals in a digital space.
NSA Connects has become a lifeline for many who may not have access to a local support group. People who stutter from all over the country can log in and instantly connect with a supportive community.
I am not alone! Other people’s stories are a lot like mine. We all can help each other get through this. — Kevin Foley
The NSA Chapters and online meetings have informed me about people who stutter of all ages and demographics. I have never collaborated in a discussion of this magnitude to a degree that stuttering is a part of who we are and should not be discounted as a negative in society. The NSA has contributed to a positive of well-being in my communication.— William Dunbar
Annual Conference: A Life-Changing Experience
Every year, we host our Annual Conference, which brings together hundreds of PWS, families, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), researchers, and advocates. This event encourages self-acceptance and personal growth by providing workshops on various topics, such as career success, and offers a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Attendees leave the conference feeling energized, understood, and supported. For many, it’s their first time seeing hundreds of people who stutter in one place.
What an enlightening and inspiring conference! Emma was so happy those four days; it really put a skip in both of our steps. The conference felt like a giant hug of love and understanding. We’ll return every year and definitely connect with the NSA Chapters, parents group, and Sisters Who Stutter in the meantime. — Lisa Vahradian
Thank you to all of those involved in the NSA. In particular, my thanks must go to the donors that fund the conference scholarships and the NSA for selecting my family as scholarship recipients. Unfortunately, I learned about the NSA and the Annual Conference late in the game and with recent medical bills, grad school expenses, and limited time to budget, I didn’t know how we would be able to make it happen for our family. That scholarship has forever changed our family.— Molly Porzel
NSA’s Youth and Family Programs: Empowering the Next Generation
Stuttering can be particularly challenging for children and teens, especially when faced with bullying, self-consciousness, or a lack of understanding from peers. Our Youth and Family Programs focus on empowering young people who stutter (and their parents) by providing education, support, and mentorship.
Key Initiatives:
NSA Kids & Teens Programs – Specially designed events, meetups, and educational resources tailored for young PWS
Family Days & Workshops – Interactive sessions where parents and children learn strategies to navigate stuttering together
Teen Advisory Council (TAC) – A leadership program that gives teens who stutter a voice in shaping the NSA’s youth initiatives
Young participants gain confidence and resilience, while parents receive guidance on how to support their child. Families leave these events with a renewed sense of hope.
The NSA has completely changed Hayley’s life in more ways than I can imagine. For the first time, Hayley has no longer felt different and inferior, but rather unique and special. It was that mental shift — the shift from being seen not as a problem to be solved, but a person to be accepted. — Linsey Stuckey
Workplace Advocacy: Supporting Professionals Who Stutter
There’s no denying that navigating the professional world as a person who stutters comes with challenges, from job interviews to workplace communication. We provide Workplace Advocacy Resources to help PWS and employers foster inclusive work environments.
Our key initiatives include workplace webinars and training, which educate employers, HR professionals, and employees on stuttering awareness and creating inclusive work environments. We also highlight career success stories, showcasing professionals who stutter thriving in their fields to inspire others. Additionally, our Full Disclosure series features candid conversations about navigating stuttering in professional settings.
These efforts have helped numerous PWS gain the confidence to advocate for themselves in job interviews, ask for accommodations, and pursue leadership roles. Many employers who participate in NSA training programs also develop more inclusive policies.
My biggest takeaway is that I should utilize the resources from this great community instead of trying to do it alone.— Josh Jensen
My life has transformed. The support from fellow NSA Chapter members has encouraged me to start with baby steps. I began by making phone calls and ordering food at drive-thrus, which later led me to working as a customer service/sales rep. That job required me to talk on the phone all day. I accepted being a PWS and I am no longer ashamed of my stuttering.— Tanya Banks
Research & Advocacy: Driving Policy Change
We are committed to advancing research on stuttering and advocating for policies that benefit PWS. We help shape the future of stuttering treatment, education, and public awareness through collaborations with researchers, universities, and policymakers.
Here are a few of our key initiatives:
Partnerships with speech and stuttering research institutions: Supporting cutting-edge research on stuttering treatment and intervention
Public awareness campaigns: Advocating for greater representation of PWS in media, education, and healthcare
Legislative advocacy: Working with lawmakers to promote disability rights and workplace inclusion for PWS
We have contributed to landmark research studies, helped pass workplace protection policies, and increased media representation of people who stutter in TV, film, and public discourse.
Awareness Leads to Action
We don’t just talk about stuttering; We actively create change through our programs and initiatives. From local support groups and national conferences to workplace advocacy and research collaborations, every effort is designed to empower, educate, and uplift the stuttering community.
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