5 Ways to Celebrate International Stuttering Awareness Day
International Stuttering Awareness Day is an annual world wide event that aims to raise awareness and promote understanding about stuttering. It's a day to celebrate the diversity of voices and to support individuals who stutter in their journey towards self-acceptance and confidence. Here are five meaningful ways you can celebrate and participate in this important day.
1. Tell One New Person about Your Stuttering
One of the most powerful ways to celebrate International Stuttering Awareness Day is to start to feel confident enough to open up and share your story. Strike up a conversation with a family member, new friend or colleague, or reach out to an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while. You can just casually mention your stuttering and see if it sparks conversation. The more authentic the better!
2. Explore ARTS Therapy at OpenStutter.com
For those interested in learning more about stuttering therapy, check out OpenStutter.com. The site provides valuable insights into ARTS therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Stuttering) and offers resources for both individuals who stutter and speech-language pathologists. Understanding the therapy options available is an excellent way to support those on their journey towards acceptance and to find JOY in speaking.
3. Find a Local NSA Support Group Chapter
You are not alone! The National Stuttering Association (NSA) offers local support groups where individuals who stutter can connect, share their stories, and find a sense of community. Visit westutter.org to see if there's an NSA Support Group Chapter near you. Joining or attending a meeting can be a fantastic way to show support and learn more about stuttering. Your Stamily (AKA stuttering family) has your back!
4. Follow Influential Stuttering Voices
On social media, you can find and follow influential voices in the loud and proud stuttering community. The @worldstutteringnetwork curates a list of the top 100 Influencers in the World of Stuttering. These individuals openly share their experiences, insights, and advocacy efforts. Maybe it will inspire you to share your own story to add one more voice to the Normalize Stuttering movement - every baby step forward towards acceptance matters!
5. Read a Book or Listen to a Podcast About Stuttering
Expand your knowledge and empathy by delving into literature and podcasts related to stuttering. Consider reading a children's book that celebrates diversity like Daniel the Digger Sp-Sp-Sputters, or try a memoir like John Hendrickson's Life on Delay. Check out Maya Chupkov's Proud Stutter podcast, or the Nolan Stuttering Foundation Podcast. Additionally, podcasts like StutterTalk offer engaging discussions and interviews on various aspects of stuttering. Enjoy and share with your friends who do not stutter as well!
Congrats!
You are making waves just by stepping out of your comfort zone even the tiniest bit.
If you're feeling extra brave, you might consider wearing your pride outwardly with stutter swag. By being open yourself, you might help one other person who stutters come out of their shell and connect as a new member of the Stamily. Stuttering allies can step up and spread the word too, as advocates to remind folks to treat folks who stutter like everyone else and listen patiently. We've got you covered if so.
Let's celebrate the diversity of voices and work together to break down the barriers that individuals who stutter often face to Normalize Stuttering. Go, Team Stuttering!
- Danra