National Stuttering Awareness Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Stuttering Awareness Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Stuttering Awareness Week is celebrated on May 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Stuttering Awareness Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about National Stuttering Awareness Week.

📅 What day is National Stuttering Awareness Week 2024?

In 2024, National Stuttering Awareness Week is on Tuesday, May 9th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about May 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

From May 9 to May 15, National Stuttering Awareness Week takes place in the United States. This week is significant for individuals who stutter as it provides them with an opportunity to openly express themselves without worrying about being criticized for their speech difficulties. The entire nation often acknowledges this day, and various hospitals and medical institutions organize specific events to support those who stutter in overcoming their fears of speaking. It is estimated that about one in every 25 children in the United States experiences some form of stuttering.

📜 National Stuttering Awareness Week History

However, the most significant role was played by Paul Castellano from Delaware, with the dedicated assistance of Barbara Hubbard Koval. Despite his moderate stutter, Castellano had the courage and determination to testify before numerous United States Congressional subcommittees, passionately striving to raise public awareness about stuttering. Members of the NSP reached out to their representatives.

Then, in early April 1988, Paul and Barbara attended a ceremony at the United States Capitol, where NSAW (National Stuttering Awareness Week) was officially established. This event was attended by notable figures, including Senator John Glenn, whose wife Annie is a person who stutters (PWS). Jane Fraser, the president of the Stuttering Foundation of America, delivered a speech at the NSAW dedication event on Capitol Hill.

On April 13, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Public Law 100-263, officially designating the week of May 9-15, 1988 as National Stuttering Awareness Week.

✅ National Stuttering Awareness Week Facts

🔖 Prolonging or repetition
If your child repeats a sound, syllable, or phrase, or if they say a word or certain sounds within a word repeatedly, they may also experience stuttering.

🔖 Anxiety
If your child becomes very anxious when asked to talk or starts talking,

🔖 Starting sentences
If your child struggles to start saying a word, phrase, or sentence,

👍 Why Is National Stuttering Awareness Week Important

Many people who stammer are stigmatized in society. We must stand in solidarity with them and assist them in overcoming societal stigma. A week like this can help people open up about their disease to their friends, family, and coworkers.

As they get older, many youngsters outgrow their stuttering. However, one-fourth of stuttering youngsters do not outgrow their condition. This week is intended to help these youngsters improve their speaking.

The social shame associated with stuttering can lead to despair in youngsters, which in some circumstances might lead to suicide. As a result, it’s important to talk about it, and this week is an excellent place to start.

🙂 How To Observe National Stuttering Awareness Week

⚡ Learn about a famous person who stutters
Studying the lives of famous individuals who stutter helps us understand that we’re not the only ones facing obstacles. It instills hope and motivates us by showing that people who struggle with speech can still accomplish remarkable feats.

⚡ Get information
Inquire at your nearby public library about the availability of resources on stuttering provided by the Stuttering Foundation. If they don’t have any, you can search for information on stuttering online. It’s important to educate yourself about the condition and explore treatment options for individuals who stutter.

⚡ Read a book
You can find many beneficial books on stuttering, both in physical copies and as free e-books in various languages. By expanding your knowledge through reading, you can become better equipped to support and assist your loved ones who stutter. This, in turn, contributes to breaking down the social stigma surrounding this speech disorder.

📅 When is National Stuttering Awareness Week?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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