• How HCRI utilizes scientific principles of speech reconstruction to help people who stutter retrain speech muscles to become fluent speakers

• How technology is used to make fluency learning easier and more precise

• Short- and long-term fluency outcomes from HCRI stuttering therapy participation

• Details about HCRI's extensive post-therapy support

Individuals will have the opportunity to submit questions to be addressed during the live discussion. Those interested in participating, may register online and submit questions between now and May 11, 2012 at www.stuttering.org/register.

Registrants will receive a confirmation once they sign up and an email prior to the live event detailing how to access the webcast. For more information, contact HCRI at info@stuttering.org, 855-236-7032 (toll-free) or 540-265-5650.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute was founded by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. in 1972 to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and treatment innovation. Virginia-based HCRI, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has become an international leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based therapy approaches. 

HCRI clinicians have treated more than 6,000 people from across the U.S. and 47 other countries. Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcaster John Stossel of Fox News; Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; as well as athletes, teachers, engineers, students, doctors, military personnel, a supreme court nominee, business professionals, police officers, actors, and even royalty.

HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at call 855-236-7032 (toll-free), 540-265-5650 or admin@stuttering.org.

There are 66 million people in the world who stutter and three million who reside in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. Through the years, research has have consistently shown that society has a less than favorable view of people who stutter and their capabilities.

“People who stutter are often stereotyped by employers and the general public as nervous, disorganized, or mentally deficient. Yet, there is no mental or emotional flaw that drives the problem,” said HCRI president Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.

In fact, HCRI researchers have demonstrated that stuttering is a physically based condition. According to Webster, the disorder can be effectively treated through a systematic, behavioral approach that teaches people how to replace faulty speech-muscle contractions that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluent speech.

“Without proper treatment, stuttering stands in the way of job opportunities and career choices that impact people financially and personally,” Webster explained.

This is underscored in a study by Joseph F. Klein and Stephen B. Hood that was published in the Journal of Fluency Disorders. Klein and Hood’s research among stutterers, aged 18 and older, found that the condition interfered with job performance among one third of the respondents. In addition, 70 percent of those surveyed felt their stuttering decreased their chances of being hired or promoted.

Randy Marcus, chief of staff to Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, knows first hand the job-related challenges stuttering creates. In 2006, he reached a point in his life when he felt his stuttering problem created a ceiling to his professional development. That’s when he decided to participate in HCRI’s 12-day intensive stuttering therapy program.

“HCRI therapy improved my fluency in public speaking forums, on the telephone and in meetings, which has allowed me to be a successful chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and serve in a leadership role in Governor Bob McDonnell’s administration, Marcus said. “The Institute’s approach to stuttering treatment helped me eliminate both real and self-perceived fluency challenges that limited my career advancement.”

In HCRI’s client survey, respondents who cited earnings increases were asked to specifiy the percent of monetary gains they attributed to fluency skills learned during treatment. Thirty-two percent said their wages or income potential grew by up to 10 percent. Forty-two percent noted increases between 11 and 50 percent. Twenty-six percent said that HCRI stuttering treatment enabled them to increase earnings or income potential by more than 50 percent.

Broadcast journalist John Stossel of Fox News serves as another example of how HCRI stuttering therapy helps professionally and financially. Early in his career, Stossel participated in a wide range of treatments to address his stuttering. None of the therapies worked and he considered giving up his broadcasting career. Then, he learned about HCRI’s unique behavioral therapy approach. He completed the Institute’s treatment program and learned how to retrain his speech muscles to generate fluency. Today, he is a successful, award-winning broadcaster and author.

More than 6,000 people from 48 countries have come to HCRI for stuttering therapy. The Institute’s data show 93 percent of clients attain fluent speech by the end of their 12-day treatment program. Follow-up studies indicate 70-75% retain fluency for the long term. HCRI is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on stuttering research and developing scientifically based treatment methods.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute was founded in 1972 to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and to develop treatment innovations. Virginia-based HCRI, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has become an international leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based therapy approaches. Clients come from all walks of life and include business professionals, police officers, students, doctors, athletes, teachers, engineers, military personnel, a supreme court nominee, actors, and even royalty. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at 855-236-7032 (toll free), 540-265-5650 or admin@stuttering.org .

Individuals seeking help for stuttering should investigate a number of therapy approaches and providers before making a treatment decision. Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI recommends asking providers the following questions to facilitate the decision-making process.

QUESTIONS FOR EVALUATING STUTTERING THERAPY OPTIONS:

Depth and Breadth of Experience

• Does the provider exclusively work with issues related to stuttering?

• How long has the provider been administering stuttering therapy to clients?

• What are the credentials of the provider?

• How many stuttering clients have been served?

Treatment Approach

• Is the stuttering treatment methodology based on the provider’s own analysis of objective methods that produce fluent speech?

• What is the length of treatment?

• What is the cost of treatment?

• What is the therapy drop out rate?

Stuttering Therapy Success Rate

• What percentage of clients achieved fluency at the conclusion of the program?

• What are the longer term therapy follow-up results?

• What percentage of clients would recommend the provider’s treatment program to others?

“We encourage everyone to research their treatment options and make informed decisions about stuttering therapy. Taking the time to consider the experience, approach and success rates of different stuttering therapists will help ensure the best possible fluency outcomes,” Dr. Webster added.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute (www.stuttering.org), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for stuttering research and therapy innovation.  The nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.  HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019 and can be contacted by emailing admin@stuttering.org or calling 540-265-5650.

“I would have good days and bad days. There was no way to predict what was going to happen with my speech,” Tonelson explained. “By the time I was in high school, I had accepted the fact that this is my lot in life and I would just have to deal with my stuttering.”

Stuttering afflicts three million people in the U.S. and 66 million worldwide, according to the National Institutes of Health. The condition occurs when speech muscles inappropriately contract and jump out of control during attempts to speak. Stuttering ranges in severity and often hampers educational and career aspirations, inhibits social growth, and serves as a barrier to people reaching their full potential in life.

Although a determined Tonelson decided he wasn’t going to let his stuttering stand in the way, he readily admits that his speech condition guided some significant life choices. As a student at Princeton University, he joined the college newspaper in hopes of a print journalism career because “I mistakenly thought it would enable me to write for living and wouldn't put a premium on using speech.”  Tonelson quickly learned that reporting requires constant telephone and in-person interviewing.  Although he performed well enough in college journalism and his first reporting job after graduation, he became increasingly concerned that his speech might limit his career possibilities.

Then he heard about a physically based stuttering treatment program, developed by scientists at Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – www.stuttering.org ) in Roanoke, Virginia. HCRI offered a unique therapy approach that focused on retraining faulty speech muscle movements that cause stuttering to create new muscle activities that enable fluent speech.

“HCRI’s treatment was different than anything else I had tried. It made sense to me because it was based on physiology and not psychology,” Tonelson explained. “I attended the treatment program and saw a dramatic increase in my fluency. The therapy did its job.”

HCRI’s program involves 12 days of intensive stuttering treatment where participants work one-on-one with specially trained clinicians to learn new speech motor skills. Through detailed steps, individuals learn how to reconstruct distorted speech muscle behaviors to generate fluent speech. Then once fluency is achieved in the clinic, participants learn how to transfer their new-found speaking abilities into everyday life.

“We have researched thousands of stuttering cases since HCRI’s doors opened in 1972. Data has consistently shown that stuttering is a physically based disorder and needs to be treated as such,” said HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D.

HCRI pioneered the concept of physically based treatment for stuttering more than 30 years ago and has continued to enhance the therapy program over the years. Advanced electronics and computers have been incorporated into the treatment regime to enhance the ease of learning and retaining fluent speech. Ninety-three percent of HCRI clients achieve fluency by the end of treatment. Follow-up studies show 70 to 75% retain fluency for the long term.

Underscoring the importance of physically based treatment for stuttering, last month the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a groundbreaking study by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders that confirmed a genetic link to stuttering. HCRI was a participant in this key research initiative, which dispelled long-standing assumptions that stuttering is caused by stress or psychological issues.

According to Webster, “Physically based therapy takes hard work and commitment. Clients leave our center with all the tools they need to control their stuttering and remain fluent for a lifetime. Yet for treatment to work over time, they must continue to practice their new speech skills on a regular basis when they return home.”

To maintain his fluency, Tonelson joined a speech practice group in Washington D.C., comprised of HCRI stuttering therapy clients, and participated actively for nearly 20 years. The group meets weekly to practice specific speech skills learned in therapy and help one another maintain fluency. In addition to organized practice groups, HCRI offers extensive post-therapy support services to all program participants.  

“HCRI’s physically based treatment has been a life-changer for me,” Tonelson said. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing now without it.”

In addition to his regular television appearances, Tonelson uses his fluid, persuasive communication skills on national radio programs to offer perspectives on economic and foreign policy issues. He has given presentations for universities, government agencies and business organizations around the globe. His articles and commentary have appeared in leading publications including Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post, and others. Tonelson is a columnist for The Washington Times and IndustryToday.com, and author of a book on globalization called “The Race to the Bottom.”

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute, founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has grown into a world-leading center for the investigation and treatment of stuttering. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit institute is unique from other stuttering organizations in that work focuses on developing scientifically based treatment methods, as well as administering stuttering therapy.

HCRI offers 17 stuttering therapy programs annually and has treated more than 5,700 people from across the U.S. and 23 other countries. Clients include John Stossel of Fox News; Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons; and Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and Astronaut John Glenn. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org. Contact HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650.

The coherent formulation of knowledge about fundamental properties of organisms will lead to better understanding of the specific mechanisms that are embodied within them and the activities accomplished by these mechanisms. This will be true for the disorder identified as stuttering.

A few recent studies illustrate the nature of research being conducted on genetics and stuttering.  Following are links to abstracts.

ABSTRACTS

• New complexities in the genetics of stuttering: significant sex-specific linkage signals.
  
• Genomewide significant linkage to stuttering on chromosome 12.
• Evidence for a major gene influence on persistent developmental stuttering.
  
• The genetic basis of persistence and recovery in stuttering.
• Genetic studies of stuttering in a founder population.
• Genetic etiology in cases of recovered and persistent stuttering in an unselected, longitudinal sample of young twins.
  

These reports show scattered and inconsistent results when different types of genetic linkage studies are conducted. The main point is that there is still relatively little evidence for specific genetic factors in the broad population of stutterers. Evidence improves slightly when more closely related samples are examined.

There is the long-standing general observation that stuttering tends to run in families. Approximately half of the people who stutter can identify someone in their family background who stuttered. That finding implicates the notion that genetic factors are relevant in some way to the problem of stuttering.

There is preliminary evidence that aspects of stuttering within family members can be accounted for by advanced genetic models. However, when geneticists have conducted genetic linkage studies in which they searched for genetic markers that differentiated family groups with stuttering represented with family groups without stuttering represented, only weak relationships were found.

One of the conclusions that can be drawn about the probable role of genetics in stuttering is that slightly more that 50 percent of the cases will have a genetic component present. That means there will be a considerable proportion of stuttering cases where a genetic component will not be present. There is considerable importance to this interpretation when it comes to searching for the cause or causes of stuttering.

It seems likely that there is a mechanism or mechanisms that can produce stuttering in a individual even when there is no specific genetic element present. If this is indeed the case, then, in those instances of stuttering where a genetic component is identified, it would be expected that the physical manifestations of the genetic material are acting upon components of an existing body system that is primarily responsible for the disfluent speech events.

The implication that I draw from the genetics research is that we should intensify the search for physical mechanisms within the body that govern speech motor output. A good place to begin the search is to examine the broad array of physical variables that enhance fluency in stutterers and degrade fluency in normal speakers. Nature is presenting us with sets of clues that are almost certainly pointing to the arena where the causal factors in stuttering will be found.

For information about HCRI's 39 years of research and therapy delivery, visit www.stuttering.org. 

The brain operates as a complex set of physiological systems that are, in turn, provided with an array of inputs and outputs. The research task is to develop an understanding of the complex context within which the brain functions.

The following research abstract is the second in a series provided as a service by Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI).  HCRI is a nonprofit Institute based in Roanoke, Virginia that has been at the forefront of stuttering research and treatment innovation since 1972.

HCRI commentary follows the abstract and is provided Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., HCRI’s Founder and Director.

ABSTRACT

Common features of fluency-evoking conditions studied in stuttering subjects and controls: an H(2)15O PET study.

J Fluency Disord. 2003 Winter;28(4):319-35; quiz 336.  Stager SV, Jeffries KJ, Braun AR.  Language Section, Voice Speech and Language Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Educational Objectives:

1. Compare brain activation patterns under fluency- and dysfluency-evoking conditions in stuttering and control subjects;

2. Appraise the common features, both central and peripheral, of fluency-evoking conditions; and

3. Discuss ways in which neuroimaging methods can be used to understand the pathophysiology of stuttering.

Summary:

We used H(2)15O PET to characterize the common features of two successful but markedly different fluency-evoking conditions — paced speech and singing — in order to identify brain mechanisms that enable fluent speech in people who stutter. To do so, we compared responses under fluency-evoking conditions with responses elicited by tasks that typically elicit dysfluent speech (quantifying the degree of stuttering and using this measure as a confounding covariate in our analyses).

We evaluated task-related activations in both stuttering subjects and age- and gender-matched controls. Areas that were either uniquely activated during fluency-evoking conditions, or in which the magnitude of activation was significantly greater during fluency-evoking than dysfluency-evoking tasks included auditory association areas that process speech and voice and motor regions related to control of the larynx and oral articulators.

This suggests that a common fluency-evoking mechanism might relate to more effective coupling of auditory and motor systems — that is, more efficient self-monitoring, allowing motor areas to more effectively modify speech. These effects were seen in both PWS and controls, suggesting that they are due to the sensorimotor or cognitive demands of the fluency-evoking tasks themselves.

While responses seen in both groups were bilateral, however, the fluency-evoking tasks elicited more robust activation of auditory and motor regions within the left hemisphere of stuttering subjects, suggesting a role for the left hemisphere in compensatory processes that enable fluency.

HCRI Comment

This article hints at problems in auditory sensory and motor activation relationships. These results are consistent with the idea that there is a flaw in sensory/motor feedback relationships.

For more information about HCRI's work in the field of stuttering and treatment programs, visit www.stuttering.org.

You should be clear in your purposes. Do you want device created fluency or do you want help with the device in your controlled production of the behaviors that generate fluent speech? The latter outcome is more demanding of user efforts and it is possible that the effects of the device will diminish with time if the user is less than diligent in using the appropriate skills. You might also ask your self why you might be willing to use fluency skills with a device, when with a little more effort you could learn to use them and not require a device.

There are additional issues to evaluate before purchasing a device-even if it is helpful to you. A device is typically expensive, from $2000-$4000. In-the-ear devices dwell in the warm, humid environment of the ear and may last for 3 to 5 years. A behind-the-ear device is likely to last about 10 years. These projections are based on data from the hearing aid industry. There are insufficient data available to indicate how long fluency devices will actually last. It is clear that potential purchasers should factor in future replacement costs when considering devices. The actual direct costs of wearing a device may approximate $1000 to $1500 a year.

A device can be damaged when a wearer becomes habituated to its presence and forgets to remove it before taking a shower or going swimming. If a device is left out in the open, pets may lick or chew the device because of salt deposits on the case. Devices can be lost if they fall out of the ear or from behind the ear. Devices always carry additional costs with them-batteries and maintenance are the most common. For example, some devices are prone to having battery doors break or fall off. Devices with volume controls may also experience failure of the variable resistor due to its frequent manipulation by the user.

Devices can represent a bother in day-to-day living. Some DAF based devices send all sounds received at the unit to the ear with a delay. Thus, when you are talking to someone, your speech is delayed by the device when you talk; however, when they speak to you their speech is received in one ear in real-time while it is delayed when it arrives via the device-based ear. This disruption in the normal hearing of sound can become quite bothersome to some people.

Devices also create user dependence. A person who is capable of learning how to speak fluently is likely to forego that option and depend on the device. Device failure can lead to a panic situation, especially if an important speaking event is to be faced.

If you are thinking about acquiring a device, it is important to be familiar with the history of devices in stuttering. Typically, the device gets substantial public attention, there is sudden demand for the device, and gradually, demand is reduced as the realities of the device become apparent. The usual result is that the small companies that have produced the devices cannot stay in business and close their doors within a few years after the device is announced. This can mean that those who depend on the device are cut off and must fend for themselves.

In the opinion of the HCRI clinical staff, it is substantially more desirable to learn a strong set of fluency skills that will last for a lifetime than it is to depend on devices. The therapy specifically referred to here is the Hollins Fluency System™, our proprietary stuttering therapy developed and offered at HCRI. Our experience shows that most people who stutter can acquire lasting fluent speech through careful, motivated participation in our therapy.

Certainly, more effort is required initially. However, the effort level diminishes with the use of fluency skills and the satisfaction level increases. There is substantial self-esteem and satisfaction that can result from the mastery of fluency skills. When therapy is a well developed, objectively based technology administered by highly skilled professionals, a single participation can establish fluency skills that last a lifetime.

Clearly, the choice is yours. Good luck with your decision.

However, observing Missiaen’s powerful closing argument in a recent high-profile Oregon murder trial, no one would know he has endured stuttering since his youth.

Unlike many people who stutter, Missiaen’s speech condition didn’t get in the way of his education or social life, as he was growing up. He was highly determined and learned how to “accommodate” his speech by replacing words and avoiding certain speaking situations.

When he graduated from University of Oregon School of Law in 2005, he landed a position as a personal injury attorney. Missiaen’s days were spent talking with clients, making calls, and doing public speaking. The techniques he previously used to mask his stuttering, including word substitution, were no longer working for him.

“With the law, you can’t replace one word with a different one simply because you are having trouble saying it,” Missiaen said. “I found myself unable to say things I needed to say.”

As a result, Missiaen grew increasingly concerned about his stuttering. He felt his speech was being misperceived and undermined his effectiveness in his job. “A lot of my disfluencies are blockages where I can’t get a particular word to come out when I’m trying to speak. It looks to outside observers that I can’t figure out what I want to say,” he explained.

Compounding his concern and frustration, Missiaen also had ambitions to become a public defender, a role requiring eloquent, persuasive speaking abilities in court. He knew it was time to address his speech disorder if he was going to succeed as a courtroom attorney.

Then, he read about Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) in a book written by broadcast journalist John Stossel, who overcame an inhibiting stuttering condition by participating in HCRI’s intensive stuttering therapy program. Missiaen was intrigued and reviewed information on the internet about the Roanoke, Virginia-based program.

He learned that HCRI treats stuttering as a physical disorder. Therapy involves teaching people how to replace faulty speech muscle movements that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluency. After reading through HCRI’s website, www.stuttering.org, Missiaen enrolled in the Institute’s 12-day therapy program.

During treatment, Missiaen learned new ways to use his speech muscles to bring his stuttering under his control. He spent 100 hours in therapy, which also included learning how to transfer his new speaking skills to real-world situations. By the end of his two-week program, he spoke fluently for the first time in his life. In addition, Missiaen acquired tools to maintain his fluency over time.

According to HCRI’s Webster, “Our approach to stuttering therapy is objective, comprehensive, and results driven. No other stuttering treatment replicates the sophistication of HCRI’s treatment program or the individualized approach from which clients benefit.”

Research shows 93 percent of HCRI therapy program participants achieve fluent speech by the end of their 12-day treatment program. Follow-up studies indicate that 70 to 75 percent of people maintain fluency for the long term. HCRI researchers continually refine the Institute’s stuttering therapy, based on research and experience with thousands of cases that range from mild stuttering to severe speech impairments.

“Without HCRI therapy, I could not talk to my clients or be effective in court. There are still times when I stumble on words; but, HCRI’s tools help me get through that,” Missiaen added. To maintain his fluency, the public defender practices regularly and maintains ongoing contact with his clinical team at HCRI.

HCRI clinicians have treated more than 6,000 people, aged 9 to 73, from across the U.S. and 47 other countries. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at call 855-236-7032 (toll-free), 540-265-5650 or admin@stuttering.org.

“Stuttering is a disorder that involves numerous confusing theories and opinions about its nature and possible causes.  As a result, there are a wide variety of treatment options – all of which have varying levels of success,” said Webster. “Having a set of questions to evaluate different therapies helps people who stutter make informed decisions about which course of treatment is most relevant to solving their problem.”

Registered participants will have the opportunity to submit questions about stuttering and HCRI therapy before and during the webcast, which will be addressed during the live discussion.

Those interested in participating, may register online between now and January 19, 2012 at http://www.stuttering.org/register.php . For more information about the free webcast or Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI, send an email to admin@stuttering,org , call 855-236-7032 (toll-free) or 540-265-5650.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute was founded by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. in 1972 to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and treatment innovation. Virginia-based HCRI, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has become an international leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based therapy approaches.  

The Institute offers 17 stuttering therapy programs annually, each of which lasts 12 days. Treatment involves teaching people how to replace faulty speech muscle movements that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluency.  HCRI clinicians have treated more than 6,000 people, aged 9 to 73, from across the U.S. and 47 other countries. 

Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcaster John Stossel of Fox News; Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; as well as athletes, teachers, engineers, students, doctors, military personnel, a supreme court nominee, business professionals, police officers, actors, and even royalty.

HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at call 855-236-7032 (toll-free), 540-265-5650 or admin@stuttering.org.

As a result, in most cases, the condition can be treated successfully through comprehensive, behavioral stuttering therapy, which HCRI researchers invented in 1972 and continually refine over the years.  According to the Institute’s data, 93% of HCRI program participants master fluent speech by the end of therapy.  Follow-up studies confirm 70 to 75 percent maintain fluency for the long-term.

“During this challenging economy, it’s unfortunate to see people postpone all types of treatment and procedures because of cost concerns.  At HCRI, we don’t want anyone to wait to get life-changing stuttering therapy, which is why we instituted our new tuition waivers,” said HCRI President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., president.

HCRI’s tuition waivers reduce the cost of attending the Institute’s 12-day therapy from $4,500 to $2,500 or $2,750, based on the selected session date.  The Institute’s stuttering treatment program includes 100 hours of clinical therapy and evaluation, along with an extensive package of post-therapy support.

The waivers are made possible through a coordinated effort by Webster and the Institute’s Board of Directors, along with tax-deductible donations by former stuttering therapy participants.

“We are so thankful for the generosity of HCRI therapy program alumni who are making these waivers possible,” said Webster. “While therapy fees are priced to meet our actual costs as a non-profit organization, donor contributions enable us to reduce the tuition and make stuttering treatment a reality for people who are financially burdened,” he added.

HCRI’s stuttering therapy program , Hollins Fluency System II: Advanced Speech Reconstruction for StutteringTM, helps people who stutter learn how to replace faulty muscle contractions that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluent speech.  Since 1972, Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI has treated more than 6.000 people who stutter, ranging in age from 11 to 73 years old. According to the Institute’s data, 93% of HCRI clients master fluent speech by the end of therapy.  Follow-up studies confirm 70 to 75 percent maintain fluency for the long-term.

To receive HCRI’s tuition waiver, individuals must first complete an application to attend a therapy program that starts before the end of March 2012. A program application is available online at http://www.stuttering.org or by calling 540-265-5650.  There are six programs eligible for the waiver, beginning with the next session that runs from December 5-16, 2011.  Eligible 2012 therapy session dates are January 16-27, February 5-17, February 20-March 2, March 12-12, and March 26-April 6.

For more information about HCRI’s tuition waivers and stuttering therapy program, send an email to admin@stuttering.org or call 540-265-5650.

About HCRI

Hollins Communications Research Institute was founded by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. in 1972 to investigate stuttering through scientific discovery and treatment innovation. Under Dr. Webster’s direction, Roanoke, Virginia-based HCRI, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has become an international leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based therapy approaches.  

The Institute offers 17 stuttering therapy programs annually and has treated people from across the U.S. and 47 other countries. Clients come from all walks of life and include broadcaster John Stossel of Fox News; Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; as well as athletes, teachers, engineers, students, doctors, military personnel, a supreme court nominee, business professionals, police officers, actors, and even royalty.

HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24019. For more information, visit www.stuttering.org or contact HCRI at 540-265-5650 or admin@stuttering.org.