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From: Alan B (to Gary and Scott)
Date: 21 Oct 2011
Time: 16:23:32 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.71.161
Hi Gary and Scott, Thank you for your prompt responses. As a police officer (now retired), I experienced considerable difficulties as a consequence of my stutter, particularly when giving evidence in court. I was transferred to a non-operational role when a supervisory officer reported that I was "an embarrassment to all”. The severity of my stutter caused me to purchase a prosthetic device (the Edinburgh Masker) which I wore at all times while on duty. I also used it on social occasions and always kept it near to the telephone at home. It became my mechanical crutch for more than 20 years, during which I did not hear my voice while the machine was activated. Although the apparatus never eliminated my stutter, under the umbrella of that infernal masking sound, it somehow gave me the confidence to venture into situations that I might, otherwise, have avoided. Consequently, I expanded my comfort zones and developed useful interpersonal skills. Despite experiencing considerable setbacks, I built a system that would eventually support greater fluency and self-expression later in life. I am in no doubt that, had it not been for the Edinburgh Masker, I would never have been in such a favourable position to take advantage of another approach when it subsequently became available. By this point, I had discarded my crutch and chosen to walk unaided. The point I’m attempting to make is that (due to the Masker) I had become proficient in the art of conversation, albeit that I still struggled and stumbled on many words. When I acquired new physiological techniques (in 2000), I found that I was immediately able to engage meaningfully (and confidently) with everyone I encountered. I knew how to initiate, maintain and respond to conversations. Conversely, some of the others who had been simultaneously equipped with such tools (via the same stuttering management program) were far more inhibited in comparison. Please accept that this statement is not made with any derogatory intent, it’s simply something that I observed. I feel that this was due to their understandable inexperience in the area of oral communication and social banter. During my police service, I should point out that I enjoyed abundant opportunities to engage with members of the public, particularly when I resumed an operational role after obtaining the Edinburgh Masker. As a result of my personal experiences and observations (during recent years), I believe that other PWS could also benefit from improving their social skills, maybe in conjunction with speech therapy or by introducing them to specialised resources/agencies. I appreciate you taking the time to participate in this discussion. Kindest regards Alan