The first step to improving one’s speaking abilities with Parkinson’s is to have an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist who is trained in the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd program. 

Pre-treatment audio and video recordings are obtained, and speech and voice characteristics are assessed, including vocal volume, breath support for speech, vocal quality, articulation, and prosody.  Stimulability testing is then performed to determine if the patient would benefit from SPEAK OUT!

Prior to starting SPEAK OUT!, patients and families attend a “Parkinson’s Information Session.” It is essential for the whole family to understand basic information about Parkinson’s and how speech and swallowing can be affected. The session illustrates how using intention can improve one’s communication, as well as other motor movements, such as walking and writing.

In addition, the presentation explains how reduced levels of dopamine affect motivation and drive and how setting a routine combined with family support is crucial to managing Parkinson’s.

After the patient and family attend a Parkinson’s Information Session, it is time to begin SPEAK OUT! The program typically consists of twelve speech therapy sessions and daily home practice.

Together, the patient and speech-language pathologist complete speech, voice and cognitive exercises using a specialized workbook that Parkinson Voice Project provides to every person with Parkinson’s in the U.S. who is receiving SPEAK OUT! Our organization provides a free digital version of the workbook for patients living outside of the United States. Unfortunately, it is cost prohibitive to ship the workbook internationally.

SPEAK OUT! emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. Upon graduation from SPEAK OUT!, patients transition to The LOUD Crowd.

It can be challenging to make the transition from formal speech therapy to “maintenance.”  This is why Parkinson Voice Project recommends a follow-up session with a speech-language pathologist about six weeks after SPEAK OUT! graduation.  The SPEAK OUT! exercises are reviewed, and assistance with establishing a daily home practice routine is provided. Successful transition into The LOUD Crowd is also assessed.

Since Parkinson’s is progressive and degenerative in nature, daily home practice and continuous follow-up is crucial to maintaining the improvements achieved in any kind of therapy.  For this reason, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder created “The LOUD Crowd.”

The LOUD Crowd provides accountability and education through weekly group sessions where SPEAK OUT! exercises are performed and participants practice speaking with intent. As an added bonus, this maintenance program promotes camaraderie and provides support and encouragement.