What is SPEAK OUT!®?
Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that helps people with Parkinson’s REGAIN and RETAIN their speech and swallowing. The program combines education, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups. The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is depicted as a circle since it is ongoing… it never ends.
The individual and group SPEAK OUT!® programs were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX. For more information about SPEAK OUT!® please visit the Parkinson Voice Project website.
The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is described as follows:
- SPEAK OUT!® Evaluation
- SPEAK OUT!® Workbook/eLibrary
- What Is Parkinson's? Video
- Individual SPEAK OUT!® Therapy
- Weekly SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Groups
- SPEAK OUT!® Refresher Every 3-6 Months
The process repeats as necessary. Daily SPEAK OUT!® home practice accompanies this process.
When and where can I receive services?
Individual SPEAK OUT!® sessions are available in-person or online. Individual therapy sessions are generally offered at various times during the week.
All in-person sessions occur at Arkansas State University Speech and Hearing Center. All online sessions occur via Zoom.
I have Parkinson’s disease. When should I begin seeing a speech therapist?
According to studies, up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. To postpone and prevent this decline, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible. Participation in individual and then group SPEAK OUT!® sessions can change the effects that Parkinson’s disease has on your voice. Muscles become weak because they are not used to their full capacity, not because Parkinson’s is making them weak. SPEAK OUT!® requires you to use the muscles for speaking and swallowing to their full potential to prevent decline.
What costs are associated with these services?
Arkansas State University Speech and Hearing Center offers individual and group SPEAK OUT!® sessions at no charge.
