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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 20 Oct 2011
Time: 14:17:25 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.72.177
Having had the privilege of contributing to the ISAD Online Conference in each of the past 10 years, I have come to appreciate the prestigious position that it occupies in the annual calendar. Reading about the experiences of other PWS can provide us with an interesting insight into how they deal (or have dealt) with their respective difficulties, as well as offering reciprocal inspiration. It can also alert us to possibilities of which we were previously unaware – in relation to therapies, techniques and opportunities that allow us to unearth our true potential when we are prepared to expose ourselves to uncertainty and change. We discover that there are exciting and fulfilling paths available for us to tread. In effect, it can open our eyes to possibilities that we could never have imagined. Fear and self-doubt figure prominently in the lives of many people, not just those who stutter. They can sabotage hopes and aspirations. When left to our own devices, it is possible that we may never summon up sufficient courage to confront the issues that are impeding our progress, thus causing us to exclude ourselves from participating widely on life’s stage. However, upon learning about the expansive lifestyles of other PWS, some people gain confidence and encouragement. If they happen to be members of an Internet discussion forum, or self-help group, they are also able to lean upon the knowledge, camaraderie and collective support that exist within that gathering. Interestingly, those who author such articles (and/or share their experiences with others) also derive benefit from recounting those events. Each time we relive a successful occurrence, it reaffirms what we have achieved. In fact, research has shown that bringing such incidents back into our consciousness serves to strengthen that positive memory. My purpose in writing this post is to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who makes this conference possible. You are all owed an immense debt. Kindest regards Alan