University of Cincinnati Marks 25 Years of Empowering Stuttering Youth

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is celebrating a significant milestone with the 25th anniversary of its annual Fluency Friday event on November 14, 2023. This workshop has become a cornerstone for children and teens who stutter, providing them with a supportive environment to learn and connect. The event will take place at the Health Sciences Building on UC’s medical campus, where participants will engage in a variety of educational activities designed to foster confidence and communication skills.

To mark this special occasion, the organizers have waived the attendance fee, emphasizing accessibility for all families. The workshop will also debut a new name, reflecting a renewed commitment to supporting the stuttering community. “Our aim is not to stop children from stuttering, because stuttering is neurophysiological in nature,” said Katrina Purcell, a speech-language pathologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and an event organizer. “Our message is simple: Keep talking. We have strategies to make communication easier, but it’s absolutely OK to stutter.”

Immersive Learning Experience for Participants

The event promises an engaging experience, featuring both one-on-one and group sessions led by UC speech-language pathology graduate students. This setup not only allows young participants to share their experiences but also provides these aspiring professionals with invaluable real-world training. Caregivers will also benefit from tailored insights on how to support their children effectively.

Former participant Maria Agnello shared her transformative experience, stating, “I realized because of Fluency Friday that it is OK to stutter.” This sentiment encapsulates the workshop’s mission to nurture acceptance and understanding among children who stutter.

In honor of its founders, the late Diane Games and Irv Wollman, Fluency Friday will present the Irv Wollman Do the Right Thing Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of speech pathology, celebrating the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment

As the event enters its next chapter, Purcell and her team are dedicated to maintaining the core mission while evolving its identity. “We want the new name and the event to reflect our philosophy,” Purcell stated. “Talking shouldn’t be hard. With the right support, kids can learn it’s OK to stutter — and that their voices matter.”

With a clear vision for the future, the University of Cincinnati aims to continue uplifting the voices of young people who stutter, fostering an environment where they can express themselves freely and confidently. As Fluency Friday embarks on its next 25 years, the focus remains steadfast: empowering children and teens, one word at a time.