Search Results

Join the National Stuttering Association’s “Where Are They Now” series by sharing your story as a past Graduate Student Research Award recipient. Highlight your achievements and how GSRA funding advanced your stuttering research career in accessible, community-friendly language. GSRA Recipient Spotlight: Your Research Journey The National Stuttering Association is collecting updates from past Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) recipients for our “Where Are They Now” series. These stories celebrate your achievements and show how GSRA funding supports the future of stuttering research. Please write your answers in in accessible, non-technical language so all of our community can understand the real-world impact of your work. About You First name* Last name* Your title* Email* Your place of employment * About Your GSRA Experience What year did you receive the GSRA, and what was the focus of your project?* How did GSRA funding support your work at that stage? (e.g., data collection, travel to conferences, equipment, etc.)* Did receiving the award open any doors for you, such as collaborations, mentorships, or professional opportunities?* Your Career Path Since Then What milestones have you reached since completing your GSRA project? (e.g., defended your dissertation, earned your PhD, postdoc work, publications)* Have you presented your GSRA-related work at conferences or published it in journals? If so, where?* Where are you working now, and what does your role involve?* How does your current work connect to the stuttering community or communication sciences?* Other A recent photo of yourself (for the feature)* Upload Photo Any links to your professional page, lab, or published work you’d like us to include * SUBMIT

Join the Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - North Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Meetings are held virtually. Please contact the Chapter Leader for the meeting link. When? Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM Eastern. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Benjamin Chad Johnson Chapter Leader Get in touch! benjaminchadjohnson@gmail.com (773) 573-6692 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Join the Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter FAMILY CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter Welcome to the NSA Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Meetings are held virtually. When? Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM Eastern. Check the NSA Events page to RSVP. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Christine Rose & Mike Gioscia Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mikegioscia@gmail.com - - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Learn how Brittany Dahl,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Brittany Dahl Briefly describe your daily job duties. Treating and caring for critically ill patients in the intensive care units at UK Hospital. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Speaking to a variety of people every day unsure of their experiences with a person who stutters. The mental exhaustion of stuttering in a very stressful working environment. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am a Mom of two little girls 5 years old and younger, and the time demands of my current position can be difficult for work-life balance. Moving towards a position with more “regular hours” in the future is my priority at this time. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did not self-disclose in the hiring process. I guess at that time, now 11 years ago, I considered myself a “convert stutterer”. Throughout my life I had only heard a handful of individuals disclose. I didn’t personally know anyone who stuttered until I was at least 28 years old. The benefits of disclosing are wonderful for mental psyche. I am still new to it, but there are days where I am experiencing A LOT of struggle and embracing “saying what I what to say”. A disclosure to my attendings or coworkers before rounds, “I am a person who stutters. If any information needs to be clarified, let me know”. I am still struggling with a brief disclosure to the less formal conversations. Like the snickers from people in causal interactions, or the “looks” when people hear an interruption in fluency. What is your proudest moment at your current company? During my 11 year career as a nurse, I have been a clinical instructor, co-director of APP fellowship and assistant professor for pathophysiology. When I see former students or trainees who have chosen to work in the intensive care setting or who are thriving in their current careers, I am proud to be a part of their journey. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. When speaking to family members about critical, life or death topics, a brief disclosure I feel shows empathy and vulnerability. I am sharing something personal about myself, let me help you through one of the worst times in your life. I am excellent listener and I am very observant, both are key to providing holistic care to my patients. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? As a person who stutters, remember your best attribute is resiliency. You can do anything. I have helped in research publications and even written a book chapter. I never imagined a little girl who stutters from a small town in Kentucky would ever have this amount of career success at the age of 32. Again, you can do anything. Keep pushing through the laughs, the snickers and “the looks”. The years of my shame lead to anxiety and depression. Through therapy, medication and the support of my family, I made the decision to start speech therapy at the age of 31 and start to accept my stutter. Keep learning and evolving to slowly accept your voice, your unique communication.

Review the guidelines for participating in the NSA Teen Advisory Council. Empower teens to lead in the stuttering community. Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Guidelines, Roles, and Responsibilities TAC Guidelines Council Composition: The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) will consist of 7 to 10 members. Members are selected annually, or as positions become available, through an interview process led by the TAC Committee Chair, TAC members, and the NSA Family Programs Coordinator. Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be at least 15 years old. Candidates must have attended at least one NSA conference. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership experience within their community, school, or other affiliations. Membership Expectations: TAC members serve at the discretion of the Executive Director and the Family Programs Coordinator. Members who do not actively fulfill their roles may be asked to resign by the Executive Director, Family Programs Coordinator, or TAC Committee Chair. Social Media Engagement: Members must join and actively participate in the various social media platforms. Regular posting and supportive engagement with peers on these platforms is required. Communication Requirements: TAC members must agree to be diligent in reading and responding to correspondence (email, text, and social media) from the Executive Director, Family Programs Coordinator, TAC Committee Chair, other TAC members, and the those in the stuttering community in a timely manner (no more than 2 business days). Failure to honor commitments may result in probation or a request for resignation. Roles and Responsibilities 1. Serve as Liaison: Act as a liaison for NSA internet groups, engaging in discussions related to TAC or teen events. 2. Social Media Activity: Remain active on relevant NSA Teen social media platforms. 3. Teen Talks Participation: Participate in and host NSA Teen Talks, providing support and guidance to peers. 4. Mentorship: Serve as mentors to NSA kids, tweens, and teens, offering support and leadership. 5. Engagement with NSA Community: Be available to the NSA and NSA Family Programs community, exemplifying leadership and mentorship. Attend all Annual Conferences during your term unless an exception is granted for good cause. 6. Role Model Conduct: Act as a role model during the Annual Conference and any NSA events, exhibiting exemplary conduct. Refrain from inappropriate language or behavior and maintain awareness of your surroundings. 7. Conference Responsibilities: Workshop Development: Each TAC member will develop at least one workshop to be presented at the conference and will submit their workshop by the deadline specified by the conference planning committee. Event Coordination: Coordinate with the Family Programs Coordinator on workshop scheduling. Social Events: TAC will lead a teen icebreaker on the first day of the conference. Participation and Support: Volunteer in at least one kids/tweens workshop each day and attend all scheduled teen workshops. Encourage participation and provide support to attendees who may be struggling to find their place. TAC Committee Chair Eligibility: The TAC Committee Chair must be between 18 and 20 years old and have served on the TAC for at least 1 year. Term and Election: The Chair is elected by TAC members and serves a 2-year term. Responsibilities: The TAC Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing the TAC and all teen functions of the NSA for and at the conference such as workshop development and presentation, and peer relations and mentoring. Additionally, they are responsible for facilitating TAC outreach initiatives throughout the year. Chain of Command > Family Programs Coordinator > TAC Committee Chair > TAC Members

Learn about the NSA Teen Advisory Council, where teens who stutter connect, lead, and inspire. Join us today. The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a dynamic group of highly motivated and respected teens who are an integral part of the National Stuttering Association® (NSA®) family. TAC members are selected for their strong leadership qualities and their ability to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members within the NSA Family Programs. Their primary role is to provide support, encouragement, and positive guidance to NSA teens and kids, both at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. CONTACT THE TAC TAC's Mission and Role: The TAC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the NSA by fostering a supportive environment where teens who stutter can connect, share experiences, and grow together. TAC members are expected to embody the NSA's mission and values, representing the organization with excellence in all their interactions. They are featured on the NSA website and may also appear in various communications and publications, highlighting their contributions and impact within the NSA community. Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Committee Chair: The TAC Committee Chair must be 18-20 years old and have served on the TAC for a minimum of 1 year. The TAC Committee Chair is elected by the TAC and shall serve a 2-year term. The TAC Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing the TAC and all teen functions of the NSA for and at the conference such as workshop development and presentation, and peer relations and mentoring. Additionally, they are responsible for facilitating TAC outreach initiatives throughout the year. Family Programs Coordinator: The TAC is overseen by the Family Programs Coordinator, who facilitate TAC meetings and guide the council in achieving larger objectives. These include organizing one-day teen events, planning conference programming for teens, coordinating nationwide social events, and leading advocacy and engagement projects. The Family Programs Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the TAC and its initiatives. TAC Members: TAC members are selected for their strong leadership qualities and their ability to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members within the NSA Family Programs. Their primary role is to provide support, encouragement, and positive guidance to NSA teens and kids, both at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. LINUS SIMNER HAYLEY STUCKEY CAITNEY FILE ROWAN ASHBY MAYA SINGAL IAN SHOOK HAZEL JOHNSON TAC Interview Process: When a position on the TAC becomes available, interviews are conducted via video call. A selection committee, consisting of the Family Programs Coordinator, TAC Chair, and/or current TAC members, will interview candidates. If there are no openings in a given year, interviews will be postponed until the following year. The availability of TAC openings will be communicated to the teen membership by the Family Programs Coordinator and the TAC Chair. The TAC is proud to be a vital part of the NSA’s efforts to support, empower, and inspire the next generation of leaders within the stuttering community. For more information and to learn how to get involved, check out our TAC Guidelines. TAC APPLICATION

Submit the Chapter Listing Update Form to keep your NSA chapter information accurate and up to date. Chapter Listing Update Form * First name * Last name * Email * Chapter Name * What info do you need updated on the website? Social Media Handles @ NOTE: Chapters must meet in a public location (library, office building, classroom, etc), and may not be held in a private home. SUBMIT

Learn about the National Stuttering Association’s work in advocacy, support, and research for the stuttering community. Our History The National Stuttering Association was founded to ensure that people who stutter are never alone. Since 1977, the NSA has grown from a grassroots support effort into the largest nonprofit organization in the world dedicated to supporting people who stutter, their families, and the professionals who serve them. The milestones below reflect the organization’s growth, leadership, and commitment to community, education, advocacy, and research. 1977 The National Stuttering Association, originally known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP), was founded in California by Bob Goldman and Michael Sugarman. Early efforts focused on community outreach, education, and advocacy, including the creation of local self-help groups for people who stutter. Today, the NSA maintains nearly 175 local support groups nationwide. 1988 President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation establishing the third week of May as National Stuttering Awareness Week (NSAW), significantly increasing public awareness and recognition of stuttering. 2001 The NSA hosted its first joint symposium for scientists and consumers, titled Pioneering Stuttering Research in the 21st Century . The symposium focused on building partnerships and fostering collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and people who stutter. 2017 The NSA marked 40 years of bringing hope, support, and empowerment to people who stutter. This milestone reflected decades of growth, advocacy, education, and community impact. 2020 2020 was a year of global change and adaptation. The NSA launched the Generations Mentoring Program, pairing younger people who stutter with screened and vetted adult mentors who stutter to build meaningful, supportive relationships. The organization hosted its first fully virtual Annual Conference, NSA@Home, welcoming more than 1,600 attendees from over 20 countries. Later that year, the NSA hosted a three-day Global Research Conference, bringing together speech-language pathologists, researchers, people who stutter, and others interested in advancing understanding of stuttering through research and evidence-based practice. 2023 The NSA published its 2023 Impact Report, detailing accomplishments and measurable impact across the stuttering community. The organization also launched three new committees to strengthen inclusion and representation: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Professional Relations Committee Older Adults Committee 1984 The NSA hosted its first Annual Conference, bringing together people who stutter for friendship, support, information, encouragement, motivation, and new perspectives. Over time, the Annual Conference became the world’s largest gathering of people who stutter, and the Conference Awards and Hall of Fame were established to recognise individuals who have made lasting contributions to the community. 1996 The NSA continued expanding its national reach, strengthening its chapter network and reinforcing its role as a trusted source of education, advocacy, and support for people who stutter and their families across the country. 2011 The debut of The King’s Speech , the award-winning film depicting King George VI as a person who stutters, brought renewed global attention to stuttering. The film’s impact helped elevate public dialogue and understanding of stuttering worldwide. 2019 The NSA hosted Our Stuttering: Perspectives on Disability, Diversity, and Culture , a symposium held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the same year, the NSA launched WeStutter@Work, an initiative focused on improving employment outcomes for people who stutter by addressing workplace stigma through education and advocacy. 2022 Following a community-informed, participatory strategic planning process, the NSA Board of Directors approved a new five-year strategic plan. The plan focused on expanding access to NSA services, events, and resources, increasing visibility and awareness, positioning the organization for long-term success, and reimagining NSA chapters. 2024 The NSA received an anonymous $250,000 operating grant to support continued growth and future impact. This funding strengthened the organization’s ability to expand programming, support research, and deepen community engagement. Looking Ahead The history of the National Stuttering Association is one of persistence, leadership, and community. As the NSA moves forward, its mission remains unchanged: to support people who stutter, reduce stigma, advance understanding, and ensure that every voice is heard with dignity and respect.

Apply for research funding to support stuttering-focused projects. View eligibility criteria, key deadlines, and submission steps with the NSA Research Fund. Research Funding Application * First name * Last name * Email * Address * Phone * Tell us your Project Title * Upload your application here Upload File * Upload your unofficial transcripts here Upload File Optional (upload your cover letter here) Upload File SUBMIT

Submit the screening form for When I Stutter, a powerful film about stuttering and its impact on lives worldwide. When I Stutter Documentary Director: John Gomez 2017 This powerful documentary delves into the profound emotional impact that stuttering has on a diverse group of individuals. Watch The Trailer Host a Screening NSA Chapter Leaders have a unique opportunity to host a special screening of WHEN I STUTTER, an award-winning documentary, to raise awareness about stuttering and support fundraising efforts for their local NSA Chapter. Before submitting your request, please review the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide. This guide provides essential instructions for hosting a screening, from selecting a screening partner and venue to effectively marketing the event. Plan for an event that lasts approximately two hours, including both the screening and a panel discussion featuring NSA chapter members. To ensure a successful event, please schedule your screening at least 7 weeks in advance of submitting the form below. 'When I Stutter' Screening Form * Chapter Leader First name * Chapter Leader Last name * Email * Phone * NSA Chapter Name * I have read the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide? Yes No * Date of Movie Screening * Time of Movie Screening * Location of Movie Screening (complete address) * Movie Screening Partner [NOTE: Screening Partner must be a College/University Speech Disorders Clinic, local Non-Profit, local Disability Rights organization, or something similar.] * Screening Partner Contact Name * Screening Partner Email * Screening Partner Phone SUBMIT

< Back Aryanna Tillman Speaker Aryanna is a senior in high school and plans to go into the medical field after high school. She is the Vice President of Sisters Who Stutter. Aryanna presented a very successful speech about stuttering to FCCLA and advanced to state. This will be her second year attending the NSA Conference and she cannot wait to attend the Denver Conference. Her favorite part of her year is attending the NSA Conference. Aryanna is very excited to catch up with old friends and to hopefully meet many more. Previous Next