SPEAK OUT!® The LOUD Crowd®
Who
This program is recommended for individuals diagnosed with parkinson’s disease and parkinson-plus syndromes. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Cincinnati Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (UC CSD) and the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC). It was developed by the Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, Texas. Since Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative condition, maintaining the strength of one’s voice can be a challenge. People with parkinson's often struggle with motivation as a result of the lack of dopamine in the brain.
This treatment is offered to civilians and veterans who will come together in the group piece of this treatment approach
What
SPEAK OUT!® is a highly effective speech therapy program, and the first step in a two-part therapy approach. SPEAK OUT!® typically consists of twelve individual speech therapy sessions conducted by a speech-language pathologist. Together, the patient and the speech-language pathologist work their way through a series of speech, voice, and cognitive exercises outlined in a comprehensive workbook provided to every patient in the U.S. as a gift from Parkinson Voice Project. Each therapy session lasts 40-45 minutes.
The primary goals of SPEAK OUT!® are to strengthen the muscles used for speaking and to teach patients how to speak with intent. Once patients complete SPEAK OUT!®, they transition to the second part of the program called The LOUD Crowd®. In 1999, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder developed The LOUD Crowd®. This maintenance program consists of a speech therapy group to help patients maintain the strength of their voices. The LOUD Crowd® provides ongoing vocal practice, accountability, support, and encouragement. By participating in LOUD Crowd®, patients have been shown to maintain their SPEAK OUT!® results for more than five years and counting.
Where
Individual sessions are provided at the University of Cincinnati Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic by appointment only.
Cost
Please contact the Clinic directly regarding cost of services.
Program Director
Mrs. Amber Meadows-Yusko, MS CCC-SLP, amber.meadows@uc.edu
For appointments or questions, please contact:
Speech & Hearing Clinic
Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Health Sciences Building Suite 325
Phone: 513-558-8503 | Fax: (513) 558-8988