Parkinson Voice Project is proud to announce that we have had nine presentations accepted for the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) 2026, taking place May 24-27 in Phoenix, Arizona. This global conference brings together individuals with Parkinson’s disease, Care Partners, clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world. We are honored to contribute to the dialogue through a wide range of posters and interactive sessions.

These accepted presentations reflect Parkinson Voice Project’s ongoing commitment to advancing clinical care, expanding access to therapy, empowering Care Partners, and improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.

Exploring Sensory Awareness, Motivation, and Adherence

Hilary Byatt, Chief Operating Officer at Parkinson Voice Project, will present a poster titled “Understanding sensory deficits in Parkinson’s – I don’t have a speech problem. My wife has a hearing problem!”  This presentation highlights the critical role of sensory awareness in Parkinson’s and how reduced self-perception of speech changes can impact communication, relationships, and therapy outcomes.

 Sarah Diesing, a Certified SPEAK OUT!^® Provider at Parkinson Voice Project, will present multiple posters that explore motivation, engagement, and transformation through the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program. Her accepted posters include:

• “Automatic to intentional: Restoring voice and hope for people with Parkinson’s through the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.”
• “Care Partners as catalysts:  Empowering you with the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.”
• “Apathy to action: Transforming adherence to home exercise programs.

Together, these presentations and practical strategies provide for improving follow-through and long-term success in home practice.

Interactive and Experiential Learning

 In addition to poster presentations, Sarah Diesing will also lead “SPEAK OUT! and Sing Along LIVE,” an interactive class held in the Renewal Room. She is joined by Jeanie Adamson, our Sing-Along Coordinator. This session will provide attendees with the opportunity to experience the principles of INTENT in action, highlighting how structured speech, voice, and singing activities can foster connection, confidence, and joy in people with Parkinson’s.

Telepractice, Access, and Innovation

Doreen Nicholas, Clinical Lead of the Washington SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center at Washington Eastern University, will present a poster titled, “Speech-Language Pathologists” Confidence in Utilizing Telepractice with SPEAK OUT! to improve speech therapy access for those with Parkinson’s disease.” This presentation addresses the increasingly important area of telepractice and how it can expand access to evidence-based therapy and support clinicians in delivering high-quality services beyond geographic limitations.

INTENT Across Speech, Swallowing, and Singing

Brittany Scott, Lead Speech-Language Pathologist from Parkinson Voice Project, will present a series of posters that demonstrate how the principle of INTENT extends across multiple domains of Parkinson’s care. Her accepted posters include:

• Too old for teletherapy?
• Singing with INTENT.
• Swallow with INTENT.  
• The Circle of INTENT.

 Resources and Activities at the Interactive Booth

In addition to our accepted presentations, Parkinson Voice Project will host an interactive booth in the exhibit hall throughout World Parkinson Congress 2026. Attendees are invited to stop by to experience INTENT in action, learn more about the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, and connect directly with our clinicians and advocates. Whether you are a person with Parkinson’s, a Care Partner, or a professional, our booth will offer hands-on activities, resources, and meaningful conversations about how intentional speech and swallowing therapy can make a difference. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how Parkinson Voice Project continues to expand access, education, and hope around the world.

Celebrating Impact at WPC 2026

The breadth of topics, ranging from sensory awareness and apathy to teletherapy, Care Partner empowerment, and experiential learning, reflects the depth of the Parkinson Voice Project’s mission and the dedication of our staff to improving lives through education, research, and clinical excellence.

 We are honored to share this work on a global stage and grateful to be part of the World Parkinson Congress 2026 community. If you’re attending WPC in Phoenix, we invite you to visit our posters, participate in our sessions, and connect with our team as we continue to champion INTENT, access, and hope for people with Parkinson’s.