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From: Klaas Bakker, Missouri State University
Date: 21 Oct 2011
Time: 11:08:50 -0500
Remote Name: 146.7.150.230
Jay, I wanted to comment on your desire to find out if a SpeechEasy device could be the answer for your particular case. The way you described it it sounded like you already fully understand that its use is more an aid and not a therapy, but just something that could help you in your work setting. Importantly, DAF/FAF (this is what SpeechEasy does) doesn't always work the same way for all who have a stuttering problem, and it has settings that you can "tweak" and so I think it would be best to work with a speech therapist who would be willing and able to help you find out what the technology does in your case. Currently there are a number of freeware, or inexpensive software downloads that do very much the same thing as a SpeechEasy device would and could allow you to try out how it works in your case and if it seems something you would consider for your situation. Even the company that dispenses SpeechEasy has a freeware version of the program that works on PCs. Importantly DAF/FAF is not therapy but it can be used as an aid in situations like you described and I am convinced it could be helpful for you as long as you will consider trying other ways to make (improved) speech fluency "your own achievement" as a result of therapy. Unfortunatly I don't have much to say for the use of medications and believe others already gave you an excellent description of the status of its use. Klaas Bakker