Author: Vikesh

When I Stutter Virtual Screening

Published on by Vikesh

“Stuttering can have a profound emotional impact on one’s life. In making WHEN I STUTTER, I was astounded by the honesty and candor with which the interviewees express themselves. From the depths of hopelessness to the heights of redemption, these stories will change how you view stuttering.”
John Gomez – Director, WHEN I STUTTER

Trailer

https://keeneyeproductions.com/when_i_stutter_documentary/

Join us for a free virtual screening of this film (family friendly version)

20 May 2021 at 7pm Queensland time zone

Registration required

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqf-msqTsuG9GZa9UHyADgId4GHlw8uAz8

Speak Freely Virtual Meetup: 17 May 2021

Published on by Vikesh

This is a casual online event for anyone who has an interest in stuttering, including people who stutter, families, speech pathologists (and students) and friends.

Come and speak freely using whatever tools you want to (or don’t want to) use without judgement. Share your stories and journey.

Please visit speakeasy.org.au/virtual for details and registration link for the next Virtual Meetup.

World Stuttering Network presents StutterFEST 2021

Published on by Vikesh
Stutterfest 2021 Program

The Australian Speak Easy Association is excited to be part of StutterFEST 2021, presented by the World Stuttering Network. The program can be downloaded from the link above and FAQs are below.

TOP 5 Questions about StutterFEST:

Q. What is StutterFEST?  

• A celebration of our worldwide stuttering community.

• Opportunity to meet people who stutter and those who support them from around the world

Q.  Who will be on our virtual stage?

• Organizations (national, world, virtual)

• Top Researchers from around the world!

• SEAtalk (Stuttering, Education, Advocacy) Keynote Speakers

• World-renowned Podcasters with a LIVE broadcast

Q.  Does it cost anything? Will I be asked for a donation?  No.  

      Stuttering support groups don’t cost anything.

Q.  How long is it?  Do I have to attend the whole event?

• 20 hours.  

• Starts at 10am (London)…5am (New York)…7pm Sydney

• Join anytime.  Stay as long as you like.

Q.  How do I join?

• Here’s the registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtfuqtrjguH9fU7FcAieHmDSPBXNzJu4-v

• YouTube Live streaming

• Link will be posted everywhere as we get closer to the event.

BONUS QUESTION: Is this just a bunch of speakers all day?  No way!  Plenty of opportunity for engagement and interaction all day long.

ASEA April 2021

Published on by Vikesh

Welcome to the April 2021 update from the Australian Speak Easy Association.  Last month, I announced that our National Speak Freely Virtual Meetups would be twice per month.  I also made an attempt at setting up recurring meetings in an attempt to simplify things.  Unfortunately, sometimes trying to take a short cut results in a longer journey.  The National Speak Freely Virtual Meetup will continue at once per month but I will attempt to hold a second meetup where time permits.  We are also going back to simply registering for the next meetup.  

We have also launched a Twitter page while still maintaining our Facebook page.  Both platforms will generally have the same information.  Don’t forget to check the News section on our website as well.

twitter.com/AusSpeakEasy

I’m also happy to announce that our National Conference will once again be online for 2021.  Stay tuned for more details.  In case you missed our 2020 Online Conference, you can catch up on some of the presentations on our website:

speakeasy.org.au/2020-conference-presentations

Thank you for your support and interest in the Australian Speak Easy Association.

Vikesh Anand
National President 

Stuttering in School: Young Perspectives

Published on by Vikesh

Check out this stuttering awareness and educational film made by young people with a stutter in New Zealand as they share their experiences with the school environment. 

Stuttering: Young Kiwis share their stories will take you on a journey with 11 young people (aged 9 to 18 years) to help you understand the unique experiences of young Kiwis who stutter. In this 15-minute film, they share their stories about stuttering both in and out of the school environment, to make the world an easier place for people who stutter. Educational, and sometimes emotional, this film will provide you with insights into the lives of people who stutter. The stories these generous young Kiwis share will help you to learn what you can do to support people who stutter. This film will be of particular value to teachers or others who care about people who stutter.

Speak Freely Virtual Meetup

Published on by Vikesh

This is a casual online event for anyone who has an interest in stuttering, including people who stutter, families, speech pathologists (and students) and friends.

Come and speak freely using whatever tools you want to (or don’t want to) use without judgement. Share your stories and journey.

Next Meetup

5 April 2021 at 7pm Queensland time zone

Registration required

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Zoom will be used for the video call but an account is not required to join. 

Worldwide Virtual Meetup for Youth Who Stutter

Published on by Vikesh

The World Stuttering Network (WSN) is hosting a Youth Committee virtual meetup.

Please email events@speakeasy.org.au for the Zoom link.

20 February 2021

8pm – Brisbane, QLD, Australia

10am – London, UK

5am – Miami, FL, USA

What the Youth Committee does:

• World Friending Pair up for one-on-one conversations with kids who stutter (KWS) & parents from around the world!

• Panel discussion with a few adults who stutter.  Kids ask the questions!

• Games if time allows

What to expect:

• No one talks unless THEY want to. 

• Use of chat is totally cool.

How do we keep this safe for kids?

• All cameras are turned on

• A parent/guardian is on screen with the KWS.

Make new friends & have fun with the WSN Youth Committee!

Speak Freely Virtual Meetup: 17 Feb 2021

Published on by Vikesh

This is a casual online event for anyone who has an interest in stuttering, including people who stutter, families, speech pathologists (and students) and friends.

Come and speak freely using whatever tools you want to (or don’t want to) use without judgement. Share your stories and journey.

17 February 2021

8pm QLD

Registration required

Registration Link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Zoom will be used for the video call but an account is not required to join.

There is no limit

Published on by Vikesh

Stuttering related organisations around the world have signed a letter of congratulations to President Biden as the first US President who has a stutter.

Stuttering doesn’t mean we are any less intelligent, nervous or anxious. It just means that our words may take a little longer to get out so please be patient when you meet someone who has a stutter and wait for us to finish our thoughts.

The full joint letter

Dear Mr President 

Warm congratulations on your inauguration today from the stuttering community from across the globe. 

As someone with a stutter, your achievement stands testament to the fact that having a stutter is no reflection upon brains or talent.  This is an empowering message for young people who stutter here, and in every continent around the world, and a powerful message to all those who don’t stutter. Stuttering should be no bar to success.     

You stutter. We stutter. It’s how we talk.