Fluency Friday: A Celebration of Voices and Stories for Students Who Stutter
The excitement is palpable as the University of Cincinnati gears up for its 24th annual Fluency Friday program, an event lovingly themed “Tell Us Your Story.” This initiative is not just about speech; it’s about celebrating individuality, personal journeys, and building community. Set to take place in a supportive environment, Fluency Friday will provide students in grades three through twelve with a unique platform to share their experiences, form connections, and boost their confidence alongside peers and professionals alike.
At its core, Fluency Friday fosters an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. Students will engage in group therapy sessions designed to cultivate trust and camaraderie while participating in team-building activities that make learning enjoyable. This experience is more than a typical workshop; it’s an opportunity for mutual support and a reminder that while challenges exist, they can be faced together.
“It feels like everyone’s birthday when we’re all together,” expressed Robert Reichhardt, who is not only a board-certified specialist in stuttering but also the director of the Pathways Forward Center for Stuttering. “The energy is contagious! We celebrate the unique gifts of each child, and there’s a real sense of joy in our shared experiences.”
Parents will also find ample opportunity for engagement and education during the event. The lineup includes presentations from both local and national experts specializing in stuttering, giving families a chance to voice their questions and concerns. Additionally, these parents will have the chance to meet adults from the Tristate area who themselves live with stuttering, facilitating valuable conversations about lifelong coping strategies and triumphs.
“This is a great opportunity to help parents understand that even if their child continues to stutter, it does not have to limit the opportunities they have in life,” Reichhardt noted, emphasizing the importance of community and awareness. He believes that equipping parents with knowledge can pave the way for a brighter future for their children, one where they can thrive in both personal and social environments.
The therapy sessions for children and teens are led by graduate clinicians from UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences, all under the careful supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists. This hands-on approach not only allows students to receive specialized guidance but also provides graduate students with invaluable experience in their field—a win-win for all involved.
For families interested in attending, the registration fee is a modest , which covers one student and up to two caregivers. This affordable option ensures access for everyone, and scholarships are available for those in need. It’s important to note that caregivers must accompany elementary and middle school students at all times, fostering a safe and supportive environment. While parents of high school students are encouraged to attend, their presence isn’t mandatory, allowing for greater independence as older students often navigate their own journeys with more autonomy.
Those eager to join in on the fun and insightful experience of Fluency Friday can find more information and register through the official Fluency Friday webpage.
With the ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue around stuttering, Fluency Friday not only advances awareness but also promotes acceptance in a world that often struggles with understanding differences. In a society that increasingly embraces diversity, this program stands out as a beacon of hope and a source of learning for everyone involved, reinforcing the notion that each story is worth telling and every voice matters.
So, as we look forward to another impactful Fluency Friday, we celebrate the courage of young individuals who dare to share their stories, and we commend the collective efforts of parents, therapists, and the entire community in creating a nurturing space—because every story deserves to be heard, understood, and shared.
