Actor, Author Scott Damian Honored at Stuttering Foundation Gala

New York (May 8, 2012) – Author, actor, and playwright Scott Damian was honored by the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary as the world’s leading charitable organization helping those who stutter.

“In his book V-V-Voice: A Stutterer’s Odyssey, Scott explores his own personal struggles with stuttering while reminding us through his multitalented career how those obstacles can be overcome,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “He is an inspiration.”
Fraser presented Damian with the Foundation’s “Converting Awareness into Action” Award for the hope and inspiration he brings to the stuttering community.

“Providing hope is a team effort,” added Fraser. “We rely on the courage and kindness of many to showcase the talents and accomplishments of people who stutter, to inspire and to shine a spotlight on what is possible.”

Also receiving recognition for their contributions to the stuttering community were Fox News channel journalist and commentator John Stossel, recording artist Francois Goudreault, Jr., of the band Hello Kelly, and NFL cornerback Ellis Lankster of the New York Jets.
“Today we honor those who have opened their hearts and lives by sharing their story and experiences as an example for all who struggle to speak,” continued Fraser.

During the past year, the understanding of stuttering increased dramatically with the Oscar-winning movie, The King’s Speech. The Foundation, building upon this, is converting awareness into action throughout its 65th year, reaching people in 136 countries around the world.


About the FoundationMalcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org

Hello Kelly Front-Man Francois Goudreault Honored at Stuttering Foundation Gala

New York (May 8, 2012)– Lead singer for the rock band Hello Kelly, Francois “Francy” Goudreault, Jr., was honored by the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary as the world’s leading charitable organization helping those who stutter.

“In their song Communication Breakdown, Francy and his bandmates have set to music the struggles 68 million people around the world live each day,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “Francy’s message and achievement amplify hope for a new generation of people who stutter.”

Fraser presented Goudreault with the Foundation’s “Converting Awareness into Action” Award for the hope and inspiration he brings to the stuttering community.

“Providing hope is a team effort,” added Fraser. “We rely on the courage and kindness of many to showcase the talents and accomplishments of people who stutter, to inspire and to shine a spotlight on what is possible.”

Also receiving recognition for their contributions to the stuttering community were Fox News channel journalist and commentator John Stossel, author/actor/playwright Scott Damian, and NFL cornerback Ellis Lankster of the New York Jets.

“Today we honor those who have opened their hearts and lives by sharing their story and experiences as an example for all who struggle to speak,” continued Fraser.

During the past year, the understanding of stuttering increased dramatically with the Oscar-winning movie, The King’s Speech. The Foundation, building upon this, is converting awareness into action throughout its 65th year, reaching people in 136 countries around the world.


About the FoundationMalcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org.

Ellis Lankster Honored at Stuttering Foundation Gala

New York (May 8, 2012)– NFL Cornerback Ellis Lankster, of the New York Jets, was honored by the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary as the world’s leading charitable organization helping those who stutter.

“Ellis shows his true toughness by sharing his struggles with fluency as a child,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “He refused to let his stutter keep him from his dream of playing professional football, and he is committed to helping and inspiring children attain their dreams by overcoming the obstacles they face.”
Fraser presented Lankster with the Foundation’s “Converting Awareness into Action” Award for the hope and inspiration he brings to the stuttering community.

“Providing hope is a team effort,” added Fraser. “We rely on the courage and kindness of many to showcase the talents and accomplishments of people who stutter, to inspire and to shine a spotlight on what is possible.”

Also receiving recognition for their contributions to the stuttering community were Fox News channel journalist and commentator John Stossel, recording artist Francois Goudreault, Jr., of the band Hello Kelly, and author/actor/playwrightScott Damian.

“Today we honor those who have opened their hearts and lives by sharing their story and experiences as an example for all who struggle to speak,” continued Fraser.

During the past year, the understanding of stuttering increased dramatically with the Oscar-winning movie, The King’s Speech. The Foundation, building upon this, is converting awareness into action throughout its 65th year, reaching people in 136 countries around the world.


About the FoundationMalcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org

John Stossel Leads Winning Team to Celebrate Stuttering Awareness Week At NYC Gala

New York (May 8, 2012) – Renowned journalist and commentator John Stossel joined the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary as the world’s leading charitable organization helping those who stutter.

“John has been a long-time friend of the Foundation and a true champion for people who stutter. He readily admits that stuttering is still a concern for him and shows his courage every evening as he faces the camera,” said Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit organization.
Fraser presented Stossel with the Foundation’s “Converting Awareness into Action” Award.

“Awareness is really nothing without action – it involves a willingness to inspire others,” Fraser said. “This award is symbolic of John’s dedication over many years to helping those who stutter.”

“Providing hope is a team effort,” added Fraser. “We rely on the courage and kindness of many to showcase the talents and accomplishments of people who stutter, to inspire and to shine a spotlight on what is possible.”

Also receiving recognition for their contributions to the stuttering community are recording artist Francois Goudreault, Jr., of the band Hello Kelly, author/actor/playwrightScott Damian, and New York Jets cornerback Ellis Lankster.

“Today we honor those who have opened their hearts and lives by sharing their story and experiences as an example for all who struggle to speak,” continued Fraser.

During the past year, the understanding of stuttering increased dramatically with the Oscar-winning movie, The King’s Speech. The Foundation, building upon this, is converting awareness into action throughout its 65th year, reaching people in 136 countries around the world.


About the FoundationMalcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org.

Educating Parents About Warning Signs, Early Intervention Key To Helping Children Who Stutter

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Stuttering Foundation Team Up to Spread the Word

The Stuttering Foundation, www.StutteringHelp.org, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), www.asha.org, are working together during National Stuttering Awareness Week (May 7–13) to raise awareness with parents and other caregivers about the warning signs of stuttering and the need for early intervention for a child who stutters.

Often, children stutter when learning to talk, typically between 2 and 5 years old. During this age, as a child is in the midst of a major leap in language skills, it is natural that a child may have difficulty with fluency because speech and language, thinking, and motor skills are still developing. However, most children stop stuttering after a short period of time.

One or more signs may indicate stuttering may continue: the child may
 - repeat parts of words, like “W-W-W-Where are you going?"
 - prolong or hold a sound too long, like “SSSSave me a seat”
 - appear very tense or "out of breath" when talking
 - speak in an uneven rhythm when repeating sounds, like b-b---b---baby
 - open their mouth to speak, but nothing comes out
 - use filler words, like “uh,” “um,” or “you know”

Children may be at a higher risk for stuttering if one or more of the following is true; they
 - have relatives who stutter (approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who stutters also)
 - have been stuttering longer than 12 months
 - began to stutter after age 3½ years
 - have other speech or language problems
 - are male. (Stuttering is more common among males than females.
Among elementary school-age children, it is estimated that boys are three to four times more likely to stutter than girls)
“Early intervention is a must when it comes to stuttering,” states Jane Fraser, President of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation.

"If you are concerned about your child's speech, consult with a speech-language pathologist (SLP),” ASHA President Shelly Chabon PhD, CCC-SLP says. “SLPs evaluate children to determine how well they say sounds and use words. SLPs then work with the children to help them say words and sentences without stuttering."

For free information on stuttering, contact the Stuttering Foundation at (800) 992-9392 or ASHA at (800) 638-TALK (8255). You may also visit www.StutteringHelp.org orwww.asha.org.


About the Stuttering FoundationThe Stuttering Foundation, www.StutteringHelp.org, provides resources, services, and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. It provides education, training, and information to professionals, children and adults who stutter; parents, teachers, and all those concerned about stuttering; and is a valuable resource for speech-language pathologists working in the schools with children of all ages.


About the American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationASHA, www.asha.org, is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 150,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation, had the following reaction to Samuel L. Jackson sharing his ongoing experience with stuttering with New York Magazine: “When we hear Hollywood superstars like Samuel L. Jackson or James Earl Jones talk about their experience with stuttering, it is a wonderful reminder for us about people who stutter. They can be brilliant, funny, engaging and even Oscar-worthy. Sometimes they can gain control of their fluency over time, with a professional help and hard work. But most of all, they are an inspiration to more than 68 million people around the world who struggle with stuttering.” See our list of Famous People Who Stutter

President of Stuttering Foundation Receives Prestigious Award

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jane Fraser, president of the Memphis-based nonprofit Stuttering Foundation, www.StutteringHelp.org, was honored with the Malcolm Fraser Community Service Award on Thursday, Feb. 23, during the 42nd Annual Mid-South Conference on Communicative Disorders in Memphis.

The award is named for Fraser’s father, Memphis businessman and philanthropist Malcolm Fraser, who was the first to receive this community service award in 1988. Upon his death in 1994, the award was renamed in his honor. Fraser founded the Stuttering Foundation in 1947.

“It is a real honor to receive this award 24 years after my father,” said Jane Fraser. “It is even extra special to be honored during the year of the Stuttering Foundation’s 65th anniversary.”

The Malcolm Fraser Community Service Award is presented each year by the University of Memphis Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association to an individual in the community as a living tribute to Malcolm Fraser, a man who contributed greatly to the field of communicative disorders. In addition to starting the Stuttering Foundation, Fraser is probably most well known for his publication, Self-Therapy for the Stutterer, which continues to be one of the best-selling books on stuttering.

“For all his accomplishments and unselfishness, we honor his memory with an award given to an individual in the community who has made a significant contribution to the field of communication disorders,” the organization said.