Nine out of 10 people with Parkinson's Disease are at risk of developing a weak voice that can lead to serious speech and swallowing issues. The Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic is proud to offer an effective program that combines education, individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!®), and group speech therapy (The LOUD Crowd®) to help these individuals. The program was developed by the Parkinson Voice Project.
Program Process
Individuals interested in participating in the speech therapy program begin with a speech evaluation at the Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic.
The next step of the program is a Parkinson's Information Session, which is available online, to help patients and families understand basic information about Parkinson's and how speech and swallowing can be affected. The session explains how using intention can improve one's communication, as well as other motor movements, such as walking and writing.
The individual portion of the program, SPEAK OUT!®, typically consists of 12 speech therapy sessions. Together, the patient and speech-language pathologist complete speech, voice, and cognitive exercises using a specialized workbook that Parkinson Voice Project provides to every SPEAK OUT!® patient in the U.S. The program emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.
Upon completion of SPEAK OUT!®, patients transition to The LOUD Crowd®, which consists of weekly group sessions where SPEAK OUT!® exercises are performed and participants practice speaking with intent. The LOUD Crowd® provides accountability, camaraderie, education, and support.