Stuttering Foundation of America, Inc.

The Stuttering Foundation of America, Inc., commonly referred to as the Stuttering Foundation, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals who stutter, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Founded in 1947 by Malcolm Fraser and Dr. Charles Van Riper, it has become the largest and oldest nonprofit organization in its field.

History

The foundation was established by Malcolm Fraser, who personally experienced the challenges of stuttering as a child. Despite these difficulties, Fraser became a successful businessman and decided to help others who faced similar speech issues. Initially, the organization focused on providing resources and support for the prevention and treatment of stuttering, particularly for young children and adults.

Mission

The Stuttering Foundation aims to provide free online resources, services, and support to those who stutter and their families. It also supports research into the causes of stuttering, seeking to improve treatment options and raise public awareness. The organization is classified as a private operating foundation under Section 4942(j)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Activities

• Research Support: The foundation supports basic and clinical research to better understand the underlying causes of stuttering.
• Public Awareness: It promotes public awareness to reduce stigma associated with stuttering.
• Professional Training: It offers training and education programs for speech-language pathologists and other professionals.
• Global Outreach: The foundation distributes publications worldwide and provides support to individuals in over 136 countries.

Impact

Annually, the Stuttering Foundation helps more than one million people and answers thousands of inquiries through its national hotlines. Its website receives millions of hits each month, making it a leading global resource for stuttering information and support. The foundation has been instrumental in sponsoring conferences and workshops that bring together leading experts in speech pathology.

Relevance and Legacy

Over the years, the Stuttering Foundation has been at the forefront of stuttering education and advocacy. Its work continues to inspire and empower those affected by stuttering, fostering a supportive community that promotes understanding and inclusivity. As a pioneering organization in the field of stuttering, it has set a precedent for other nonprofit organizations focused on speech disorders.

[1] https://www.vocovision.com/blog/who-is-the-stuttering-foundation/ [2] https://www.stutteringhelp.org/sites/default/files/MissionBook.pdf [3] https://ahn.mnsu.edu/services-and-centers/center-for-communication-sciences-and-disorders/services/stuttering/professional-education/convention-materials/archive-of-online-conferences/isad1999/overview-and-brief-history-of-the-national-stuttering-association/ [4] https://www.stutteringhelp.org/mission-statement [5] https://www.stutteringhelp.org