Stuttering is a misunderstood and often mistreated malady that can serve as a significant barrier to realizing life’s potential. The condition, also referred to as stammering, creates a threat to an individual’s personal and social development, educational achievement, and career opportunities.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one percent of the population suffers from the effects of stuttering.  This translates into three million people across the U.S. and 66 million globally.  Stuttering occurs when speech muscles inappropriately contract and “jump out of control” with too much force and abruptness during attempts to speak.

There is no cure for stuttering. Yet, the advanced stuttering therapy offered by non-profit Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) has helped thousands of people who stutter acquire the skills to speak smoothly and spontaneously for a lifetime.

“For the past 36 years, we’ve witnessed the amazing transformation stuttering therapy can make in the lives of our clients,” said HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. “It is incredibly rewarding to see HCRI program graduates experience the joy of fluent speech and seize opportunities never before possible.”

HCRI’s stuttering treatment focuses on the physical cause of stuttering and deploys scientifically derived therapy approaches developed by the Institute’s own researchers. Participants in HCRI’s intensive, 12-day stuttering therapy program include people who work across every industry, as well as high school and college students.

Among HCRI’s 5,600-plus client base are John Stossel of ABC’s 20/20, Annie Glenn, wife of Ohio Senator and Astronaut John Glenn; Lester Hayes of the Oakland Raiders, and Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons.

Dr. Webster noted that, on a regular basis, he hears or reads about the accomplishments of therapy program graduates.  As an example, he cited a recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal about the impressive work of HCRI client Michael Conforti, president of the Association of Art Museum Directors.

“Stuttering therapy can serve as a catalyst that enables people to realize their full potential in life.  And everyone deserves that opportunity,” Dr. Webster emphasized.

For specifics on HCRI’s stuttering therapy program, visit www.stuttering.org, or call 540-265-5650.