Author: hcri

HCRI “Firsts” in Stuttering Therapy

While HCRI is a small nonprofit organization, the Institute has made big, ground-breaking advancements in the treatment of stuttering.

HCRI’s innovative work through the years has transformed thousands of lives through fluency. Consider these pioneering “firsts” in the treatment of stuttering.

HCRI was the…

  • First to develop a quality controlled, measurable stuttering therapy that delivers lasting results to individuals who stutter
  • First to identify and define fluency generating “target” behaviors in speech
  • First to incorporate a comprehensive array of scientifically based principles of learning into stuttering treatment. This enabled the acquisition and long-term retention of fluent speech.
  • First to develop and document the detailed therapy steps required for successful treatment outcomes
  • First to create and implement an intensive clinician training program to ensure the effective delivery of HCRI stuttering therapy
  • First to invent and use advanced technology in stuttering treatment to make learning fluency skills easier and more precise
  • First to develop an extensive package of post-therapy support, including FluencyNet and an iPhone app, which help alumni maintain fluency for the long term

HCRI was founded in 1972 by stuttering expert and clinical psychologist Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. The team at the nationally recognized stuttering treatment center continues to develop new therapy advancements and invent technologies that make fluency skills more easily attainable, measurable  and long lasting for therapy participants. The Institute has treated more than 6,300 people from across the U.S. and 50 countries.

For more about HCRI and the nonprofit center’s innovative approach to stuttering therapy, please visit www.stuttering.org. HCRI is located at 7851 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24019.

Hollins Communications Research Institute – A Primer

The following serves as a primer about the award-winning Hollins Communications Research Institute. It includes the nonprofit center’s mission, overview and recognition. For more indepth information and to view before-and-after therapy videos, click here: HCRI Stuttering Therapy.

 

HCRI MISSION STATEMENT

 

SERVE the greatest possible number of people who stutter and give them tools to acquire the ability to speak fluently.

TRANSFORM the lives of individuals from around the globe who face educational, career, and social barriers because of their stuttering.

ENABLE people who stutter to retain fluency for a lifetime to fully realize their potential and achieve life-long dreams.

CHAMPION the cause of stuttering on the world stage for people of all ages through scientific discovery and treatment innovation.

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INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

 

CasualHeadshotWebHollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI), founded in 1972 by Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., has become a leader in stuttering research and the development of innovative, scientifically based treatment approaches. The Institute is a Virginia-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

HCRI’s proprietary stuttering therapy was developed in-house by research scientists who are internationally recognized experts in the investigation and treatment of stuttering. These Ph.D.-credentialed team members have tested HCRI’s therapy approach with thousands of people who stutter.

This intensive work led to new discoveries, ongoing therapy refinement, and the development of specialized treatment tools that make acquiring and maintaining fluent speech easier and long-lasting for therapy participants.

HCRI clinicians have treated thousands of people who stutter, representing a full range of stuttering types and severity. HCRI offers 12-day stuttering therapy programs throughout the year at the center’s specially built stuttering treatment facility. Therapy participants range in age from 11 to 73 and come from across the U.S. and 49 other countries.

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HCRI RECOGNITION

 

  • HCRI partnered with the National Institutes of Health on a pioneering study that confirmed a genetic link to stuttering. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • HCRI was recognized by Virginia Business magazine for its long-standing track record of innovation.
  • The Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed a house joint resolution commending HCRI for its groundbreaking research and therapy innovation.
  • HCRI’s stuttering treatment program was the distinguished recipient of the First Award for Scientific Merit at a national convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
  • HCRI media coverage includes the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsweek, Scientific American, Sports Illustrated, U.S. News and World Report, 20/20, NBC Today, CBS Morning News, Good Morning America, Nightline, and many others.
  • Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., who is also a licensed clinical psychologist, received the Outstanding Contributions in the Application of Psychology award from the Virginia Psychological Association.
For more information about HCRI stuttering research and therapy inovation, call 540-265-5650 or (540) 265-5650 – or send an email.

Stuttering – Fear, Anxiety and Stress when I Need to Communicate.

While it was always a struggle, I never let my stuttering stop me as I went through school and started on my career path. Yet, I always felt like I paid a price for each of my accomplishments. That price meant dealing with immense fear, anxiety and stress every time I needed to communicate.

When I started working after business school, I realized how important strong communication skills were to my future. To advance in my field, I needed to master public speaking and effortlessly give presentations, participate in meetings and talk on the phone.

Since childhood, I have participated in different types of speech therapy and even tried using a special device designed to help with stuttering. None of the approaches helped with my fluency.

Then I was told about HCRI by a senior executive from my company who took a special interest in my career development. She knew of a colleague who had tremendous success with the Hollins program and put me in touch with him. Soon thereafter, I went to Roanoke and participated in the program. It was the first time any speech therapy had worked. At HCRI, I learned techniques and exercises that enabled me to speak fluently.

Since attending the program, my fear and anxiety from stuttering have been replaced with enjoyment and anticipation. I’ve advanced to a new position with my company and now look forward to presenting in front of groups and talking with business associates.

While I didn’t recognize doors being closed before I went to HCRI, now I definitely see them opening.

Henry Kessler
Product Manager
Bristol-Myers Squibb

HCRI Stuttering Therapy on ABC Prime Time Show

AstronautWivesClub1

The finale of the ABC series Astronaut Wives Club gave viewers a dramatic summary of the evolving personal and professional journeys experienced by the seven wives of the Mercury astronauts. The setting took place during a crucial era in U.S. history where the Cold War, gender attitudes and the country’s “space race” were intersecting. The show was based on the book by the same name, written by Lily Kopp

One of the wives showcased in the series was that of Annie Glenn, the impressive wife of astronaut and Senator John Glenn. Annie had a severe stutter and then came to Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) for advanced stuttering therapy. She calls her experience at HCRI a life changer. As a result, Annie has been a long-time advocate of HCRI stuttering therapy and serves as a role model for people who stutter across the country.

Actress Azure Parsons played Annie. As each episode unfolded, Azure effectively depicted the multitude of communication challenges Annie faced because of her stuttering. In the season finale, Annie was interviewed and asked about the transformation of her speech. With eloquent, fluent speech, she attributed her ability to speak without stuttering to participating in the intensive stuttering therapy program at HCRI. As she has said many times in real life, on the show Annie’s character described her treatment as “life changing.”

At the end of the episode, Annie is shown speaking at a speech and hearing conference. She shared her personal experience going from stuttering to fluent speech – and advocated on behalf of people who stutter.  To watch the final episode, click here.

At HCRI, we are privileged to have helped Annie on her path to fluency. She and John are cherished friends and supporters of the Institute. We deeply appreciate all they have done to advance stuttering treatment and our mission to help people around the world achieve fluent speech.

For more information, contact HCRI by calling toll-free (540) 265-5650 or sending an email.

12,000 Miles to Fluency

Eighteen-year-old “Riley” had difficulty talking and stuttered since his early childhood. He reached a time in his life when he wanted to tackle his stuttering once and for all. After evaluating all of his therapy options around the globe, Riley chose the 12-day stuttering therapy program at Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – www.stuttering.org). HCRI’s physically based therapy approach and research-driven methodology resonated with him.

He contacted HCRI and enrolled in the program. Office manager Linda Booth and the HCRI team provided caring guidance, recommendations and information to Riley to help him fully prepare for his therapy and his trip. They took the time to answer all of his questions, shared what to expect during therapy, provided lodging options and travel advice, and made recommendations to help Riley feel comfortable and ready for his stuttering therapy session.

Traveling from faraway places to attend stuttering therapy at HCRI’s nonprofit center is not an unusual occurrence. In fact, over the past 40 years, teens and adults who stutter have come from 50 countries to participate in HCRI’s internationally recognized stuttering therapy program.

It came time for Riley to make the long journey from Australia to Roanoke, Virginia, where he would join nine others participating in the Institute’s stuttering therapy. His grandfather joined him on his lengthy trip and served as a support system when his therapy concluded each day.

At HCRI, he spent eight hours a day for 12 consecutive days working one-on-one with specially trained clinicians, practicing newly acquired speaking skills with other participants, and utilizing HCRI’s proprietary treatment technologies. Therapy took place in HCRI’s clinical setting, as well as in real-world environments. As each day passed, Riley’s speech continued to transform as his stuttering continued to diminish.

Riley worked intensively in therapy and successfully achieved fluent speech by the end of his treatment program. Following is a letter HCRI received from his grandfather, which was written two days before Riley’s therapy concluded.

Dear Linda,

We arrived from Australia two weeks ago. My grandson Riley has had a speech deficiency since he was a baby. Now he has almost completed his HCRI therapy program and is beginning to speak fluently.

We are “over the moon” with his progress. We believe his attendance at HCRI has been truly worth every mile of the twelve thousand miles we have travelled for his stuttering treatment. Riley is aware that, when he leaves your institute, he will need to continue to practice his targets and aim for habituation.

“Thanks a million” Linda for your care and assistance with this positive progress.

Yours sincerely,

Keith C.

HCRI clinicians have treated more than 6,300 people who stutter, aged 11 to 73. Clients include broadcasters, athletes, teachers, engineers, students, doctors, military personnel, business professionals, police officers, actors, paramedics, and other individuals from all walks of life. Before coming to HCRI, most program participants tried other therapies for stuttering without long-term success.

Research shows that 93 percent of HCRI participants achieve fluency in 12 days and 70 to 75 percent maintain fluent speech for the long term. For more therapy information, click here: HCRI’s Stuttering Therapy Approach or contact HCRI at (540) 265-5650 or info@stuttering.org.

HCRI Alumna Annie Glenn Portrayed in ABC TV’s “Astronaut Wives Club”

TheGlenns

One of Hollins Communications Research Institute’s early stuttering therapy clients is Annie Glenn, the accomplished wife of astronaut and Senator John Glenn. Annie has been a long-time advocate and supporter of HCRI stuttering therapy.  She serves as a role model for people who stutter across the country. She is pictured here with husband John during a visit to HCRI.

Her life, along with the lives of other astronaut wives, will be showcased in ABC’s new series, “Astronaut Wives Club,” which debuts on June 18 at 8 p.m. EST.

The show is based on the book by the same name, written by Lily Koppel. The book and series focus on seven women, including Annie, who were key players behind some of the biggest events in American history. Actress Azure Parsons plays Annie.

For more information about Astronaut Wives, visit https://abc.go.com/shows/the-astronaut-wives-club.

To learn abut HCRI stuttering therapy, click here: 12-day HCRI Stuttering Therapy Program.

Advice for Incoming HCRI Stuttering Therapy Participants from Clients Completing Treatment

Following are insights provided by HCRI therapy program participants who just completed their 12-day intensive treatment program at the Institute’s treatment center in Roanoke, Virginia. Their advice is geared toward individuals who are just starting their fluency training at HCRI.

  • Leave the past behind. We all have a new life in front of us. We all have the ability to move forward. This is going to change your life forever….No one is worth it more than you…Believe in the program and in yourself, this will lead to a lifetime of success.
  • We may not choose to stutter but we choose to be fluent. Realize the choice and invest in yourself.
  • Take these 12 days to disconnect from the rest of your life and focus on the one aspect that has troubled you for so long. It will take 100% of your effort but….you are 1 step closer to commanding your fluency.
  • We didn’t say it was going to be easy. We said it’s going to be worth it.
  • You have already made the effort to change your life by coming down here, that right there shows so much in yourself. Don’t give up you can change your life.
  • The journey to fluency may not be easy but there is light at the end of the tunnel. That light is called fluency!
  • You have been given empirical evidence throughout the past 11 days that YOU CAN control your speech. Focus on where you are now going, the possibilities ahead of you, not where you have been.
  • This can be a turning point in your life. For me I know it will be because I will practice as much as the clinicians tell me. If you make the same wise choice, you will LIMITLESS.
  • This program works, I know. I was once where you are. I beat stuttering. Practice-Patience-Perseverance-Payoff!

For more about participation in HCRI stuttering therapy, click here: What to Expect from HCRI Stuttering Therapy>>.

Contact HCRI any time if you have questions or need more information.

Composer and Violinist Richard Sortomme Overcomes Stuttering for the First Time in His Life with HCRI Stuttering Therapy

Composer and violinist Richard Sortomme of Mount Vernon, New York has spent his career perfecting melodies and minute details of musical tone, balance and flow. His work has led to breathtaking performances of his compositions by symphony orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and The Cleveland Orchestra, where he is working on his second commission that he says makes him the most grateful and fulfilled composer living today.

While his musical pieces move audiences and please critics with their inspiring sound, Sortomme struggles with a personal challenge related to sound – the ability to speak fluently. He is one of three million people in the U.S. and 66 million people worldwide who stutter.

According to the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, stuttering occurs when syllables or words are repeated or prolonged, disrupting the normal flow of speech. Stuttering ranges in severity and varies in different circumstances. It often hampers educational and career aspirations, inhibits social growth, and serves as a constant barrier to effective communication in life.

Sortomme stuttered since his youth. Though, he did not let his speech hinder his musical aspirations into adulthood. In recent years, he noticed his stutter worsening. He was particularly concerned when asked to deliver remarks and field questions in front of large audiences before orchestra performances.

“Few things could be more rewarding than having the opportunity to speak about a piece of music I composed,” Sortomme said. “Yet, I experienced trepidation verging on fear swirling around these speaking events.”

Determined to achieve excellence in his speech as he does with his music, in May of 2014 Sortomme attended the stuttering therapy program at Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI – https://www.stuttering.org) in Roanoke, Virginia.

Created by stuttering expert and HCRI Founder Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D., HCRI stuttering therapy is an intensive, 12-day treatment that is grounded in science and continually refined, based on research with thousands of stuttering cases. The center’s clinicians utilize detailed behavioral therapy protocols and advanced technology to teach people how to replace abnormal muscle contractions that cause stuttering with specific, new muscle movements that generate fluent speech.

“Our early research revealed that stuttering is physical. The repetitions, prolongations and voice blockages that we label as stuttering are caused before a sound is ever spoken,” Webster explained. “While there is no cure, HCRI provides effective treatment by focusing where the problem occurs, which is at the muscular level.”

“I knew by the second day of stuttering treatment that the program would work, if I committed myself to what HCRI teaches,” Sortomme noted. He graduated from the therapy program with the ability to speak fluently. To sustain long-term results, he was advised by HCRI clinicians that he needed to practice his newly acquired fluency skills once he returned home.

Sortomme points out that HCRI stuttering therapy is not a quick fix or vaccination against stuttering. He emphasizes that a commitment to ongoing practice is essential for lasting fluency. HCRI provides all program participants with an extensive package of post-therapy tools and support, including unlimited phone and email contact with clinicians. Sortomme stays in regular contact with his clinician and rigorously practices his fluency skills every day.

His HCRI stuttering therapy and hard work yielded results. Only months after treatment, Sortomme served as host at the memorial service for his mentor and great American violinist, David Nadien, which was held at Lincoln Center in New York City. On stage, he spoke fluently and confidently.

“I manifested complete fluency at the memorial service, with none of the blockings or repetitions that plagued my speech for more than 50 years,” Sortomme said.

HCRI research demonstrates that 93% of therapy participants achieve fluency in 12 days and 70-75% maintain fluent speech when evaluated one and two years post treatment. More than 6,300 people from 50 countries have participated in HCRI stuttering therapy. Most program participants tried other stuttering treatments before coming to HCRI.

For Sortomme, the impact of his HCRI stuttering therapy extends beyond the ability to speak fluently for the first time in his life. He says the therapy helped reduce times of stress and he now feels more relaxed in his day-to-day interactions.

Now When You Shop Online, You Can Support HCRI

Now, every purchase you make from online retailer Amazon can help support HCRI. Through the AmazonSmile Foundation, a portion of your Amazon purchases – made any time of the year – will be donated to our 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

This program helps augment funding from annual donations and helps cover the cost of therapy scholarships, operations and research, it is another way for individuals help the Institute advance our mission to help people who stutter.

Program Overview

Amamazon1azonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support HCRI every time you shop, at no cost to you.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, product selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate one half of one percent of your purchase price to HCRI. While that does not sound like a lot, the amount from all purchases from alumni can add up over time and be quite meaningful to HCRI.

How Do I Shop at AmazonSmile? 

To shop at AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may want to bookmark the page to make it even easier to return and shop for any type of item you want to buy.

How Do I Ensure HCRI Receives Donations?

Step 1: Go to smile.amazon.com.

Step 2: Sign in using your normal Amazon.com login. If you don’t have an Amazon account, simply click on the “create an account” link and follow the steps.

Step 3: When you sign in at smile.amazon.com for the first time, you will have the opportunity to select your charitable organization. Search for “Hollins Communications Research Institute” and click to make the Institute your charity of choice.

Step 4: Go shopping! You have completed the process and are ready to make purchases. Please remember to go to smile.amazon.com whenever you want to buy on Amazon.

Please note that shopping through the regular Amazon.com website will not provide donations to HCRI. You need to use the smile.amazon.com link from now on.

HCRI Alumna Shannon Armes Featured in Toastmasters Book

A new book about the oratory accomplishments of members of Toastmasters International features Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI) stuttering therapy alumna Shannon Armes. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.

The book,Voices Bold and True, written by John Steinbach and published by Beacon Publishing, highlights stories of courage, growth, and friendship in public speaking among Toastmasters International members. Following is Armes’s excerpt.

Shannon Armes, CC, ALB

“My Toastmasters experience in 2012 is very memorable. My family and friends were in the audience at the area, division and district international speech contests that spring. I also remember the standing ovation and tears in the eyes of people at the area contest following my speech. Reflecting on such an experience encourages me to continue sharing my unique story along my Toastmasters journey. By doing so, I hope to inspire fellow stutterers to face each day with courage and determination in spite of disfluency.”

Disfluency—defined as ‘interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech’—is not a word that most people may be familiar with. But for a stutterer like Shannon Armes, it’s a constant presence.

“Imagine not being able to answer your phone, introduce yourself, order a meal at your favorite restaurant or read a bed time story to your child. Imagine the need to support your family, but not getting beyond a job interview for lack of effective communication. These are simple, everyday occurrences the average individual takes for granted. But for a stutterer, such situations bring about anxiety, fear and embarrassment,and are often avoided in a variety of creative ways.”

Stuttering is hereditary in Shannon’s family: her grandmother, an uncle, and other members of her extended family have the affliction. She has had to deal with it all her life. In 2009, she took part in a unique speech therapy program that gave her specific skills to improve her fluency. “I am grateful for the intensive stuttering treatment program at HCRI (Hollins Communications Research Institute) in Roanoke, VA.

I spent over 100 hours over 12 days acquiring the ability to replace faulty speech muscle behaviors that cause stuttering with new muscle activities that generate fluent speech. HCRI’s stuttering therapy was hard work and has made a remarkable difference in my ability to communicate. But I have to be vigilant with regular practice so the skills I learned will become habitual. So I decided to join Toastmasters. It gives me the opportunity to practice those skills and improve my fluency in a supportive and encouraging environment, while also working on my communication and leadership abilities.”

She found out about Toastmasters from a fellow stutterer who was a member. “He shared with me how helpful it was for him and encouraged me to find out more about it. So I went online and looked up Toastmasters. I found a club in my area, visited a few times, and loved it. I’ve been a member of Motivators Toastmasters now for 5 years.”

Shannon may have her challenges on the Toastmasters communication track, but that has not deterred her from taking an active part in the leadership track. She has served as her club’s sergeant at arms, secretary, and VP of education. She is currently club president, as well as an area governor. She enjoyed her term as sergeant at arms, “because you’re often the first point of contact for guests at club meetings. Introducing myself was always difficult for me, so sergeant at arms was the first officer position I volunteered for.”

She also valued her role as VPE: “I enjoyed working closely with club members to help them achieve their specific goals while also striving to achieve the club’s Distinguished Club Plan.” She sees the role of VPE extending beyond the club. “I encourage individuals to take on leadership and speaking opportunities outside of the club. Doing so is a great way to learn more about Toastmasters and network with others who have valuable experience and knowledge from which to learn. It is important not only to the success of your club, but to the Toastmasters organization overall. One club’s success has a direct impact on the area, the division, and the district in which it is in.”

Shannon has a special appreciation for two aspects of Toastmasters. “…I am very enthusiastic and passionate about Toastmasters and what the organization has to offer. No matter your age or where you are in your career or your personal life, everyone has something to gain from Toastmasters. I take every opportunity I have to share my unique story and what Toastmasters has done for me.”

“It’s a very emotional subject for me. As a stutterer, I face daily challenges the average individual can never understand. Toastmasters is the perfect environment I need to step outside of my comfort zone and practice the skills I learned at HCRI. The simplest way I can put it: The Toastmasters organization has given me my voice again, both personally and professionally. That’s the biggest takeaway I can share with someone else.”

Shannon is looking forward to continuing her progress and someday achieving the highest educational designation, the Distinguished Toastmaster, or DTM. “Of course, I’m looking forward to becoming a DTM, but that will come in time. I’m taking my Toastmasters journey to fluency one speech and one leadership role at a time. I’m taking it all in and loving it as I go.”

To contact author John Steinbach and/or purchase his book, send an email tovoicesboldandtrue@gmail.com.