The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project, helps people with Parkinson’s and related disorders REGAIN and RETAIN their speech and swallowing. The program can improve volume, articulation, breath support for speech, vocal quality, intonation, and facial expression. Patients and families also report reduced drooling and improved swallowing. This highly effective, research-based treatment combines education, individual and group speech therapy, and daily home practice. The “Circle of INTENT” outlines the various therapy components and emphasizes that this program is lifelong. Expand each bar below to learn more about the program:
Patients, families, and close friends watch this video to learn about Parkinson’s and to understand why “INTENT” is an important key to managing this disease.
Patients and families work individually with a Certified SPEAK OUT! Provider to learn the SPEAK OUT! Exercises and establish a consistent home practice routine.
Toward the end of individual SPEAK OUT! Therapy, patients transition to a weekly SPEAK OUT! Therapy Group for ongoing speech practice, education, and support.
Patients and families meet with their Certified SPEAK OUT! Provider every 6-12 months for a re-evaluation.
Patients complete daily exercises using the SPEAK OUT! Booklet & Flashcards and Parkinson Voice Projecťs SPEAK OUT! Home Practice Sessions.
SPEAK OUT! Therapy is based on principles of motor learning and teachings of the late Daniel R. Boone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. In the 1950s, Boone recognized people with Parkinson’s could improve their communication skills by “speaking with intent.”
Learn how and why Samantha Elandary founded Parkinson Voice Project
