The following email was received from Lynn Metthe, Clinical Coordinator, who teaches the first-year speech-language pathology students at the University of Ottawa.
“A heart felt THANK YOU to Norm and Laura who volunteered to speak to 1st speech-language pathology and audiology students. Students were moved and inspired by their stories. Their presentation helped set the tone for the year and helped me communicate that you don’t treat the symptoms…you treat the person. Lynn Metthé Clinical Coordinator”
For the past two years, members of the oapws have been asked to speak to her class and discuss stuttering, how it affects the person who stutters (PWS), and suggestions on how to become a better clinician (from viewpoint of the PWS). While there are other aspects to speech-language pathology than just stuttering, our primary focus to her class was this aspect of speech-related problems. However, it is our belief that the tenet of treating the individual, and not just the symptom, is paramount to success irrespective of the problem.
The offer to speak to parents, clinicians and any other group about how stuttering affects the individual, what can be done about it and what is the best way to react to a PWS, is open to any group wishing us to do so. Just contact our website administrator at oapws and we will follow-up on any requests.