Speech Therapy

Parkinson Speech Therapy offered free of charge via Zoom 

Parkinson's disease (PD) can affect speech in several ways. Many people with PD speak quietly and in one tone without conveying emotion.  The speech can become breathy or hoarse. People with Parkinson's might slur words, mumble or trail off at the end of a sentence. Most people talk slowly, but some speak rapidly, even stuttering or stammering. Speech problems can make it difficult to communicate with family, friends, co-workers and physicians and can limit social interactions.

Parkinson's medication adjustments sometimes help with speech problems, but speech therapy typically is the main treatment. 

The Michigan Parkinson Foundation has partnered with the Andrews University Speech and Hearing Clinic to deliver SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd®, a speech therapy program developed for people with Parkinson’s.

The program is based on principles of motor learning. Participants are taught to transition speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.  The program works on strengthening the muscles used for speaking and swallowing by combining individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!®) with ongoing group therapy (The LOUD Crowd®).  

The program is offered FREE OF CHARGE. To anyone with Parkinson’s who lives in Michigan. The only requirement is you have to have access to the internet and an electronic devise that has a camera on it such as a laptop, iPad, tablet or smart phone.  

The program is two part.

Part 1. The participants complete a 12-session speech therapy program with speech-language pathologists from Andrews University, School of Communication Sciences & Disorders. The program is presented via Zoom.

Part 2. The LOUD Crowd is a maintenance program that provides accountability and education, camaraderie and provides support and encouragement through weekly group sessions. SPEAK OUT! participants and graduates are invited to join the LOUD Crowd.

The 12-session program is administered by students and supervised by speech-language pathology professors from the Andrews University Speech and Hearing Clinic. The program is delivered through Zoom.

If you are interested in participating in this FREE program, complete the application (download PDF)

And e-mail it to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, director@parkinsonsmi.org

Or mail it directly to:

Andrews University

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Bell Hall Suite 114,

Berrien Springs, MI 49104

Phone: (269) 471-3603

parkinsons@andrews.edu

Current participants have reported that their family members and friends can understand them better, they speak with more clarity, and they are not needing to repeat themselves as often.

Fill & Print Form  ⇒ AU Parkinson's New Client Packet (Fillable)