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From: Bob Quesal
Date: 10/14/02
Time: 9:22:23 AM
Remote Name: 143.43.201.67
Hi Leslie:
I have known some SLP students who could not get into graduate school because they stuttered. Off hand, I can't think of any who were denied employment after finishing a degree in speech-language pathology. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but right now my memory fails me.
Once again, I think it boils down to the old "basic truth" - the behavior varies. People assume that because someone stutters, they can't do therapy. However, many stuttering SLP students I have taught and supervised have done very well as clinicians, even when their speech was less than perfect in other settings.
I was in therapy while I was majoring in speech-language pathology in college, and my speech improved during that time, so it never was a major issue in college. By the time I was ready to apply for jobs, I had a pretty good handle on my speech so, as far as I know, it never affected my employability. However, I have never been a severe stutterer (in spite of the letter writer's estimate of "50% stuttered speech).
The goal is not necessarily being highly fluent, it's being a good communicator (see Russ Hicks' note earlier in this discussion for an example of a good communicator who happens to stutter). It's important to attend an "enlightened" Communication Disorders program for your studies, and important to look for "enlightened" employers. I don't agree - and never have agreed - with the argument that an SLP who stutters somehow presents a bad model.
I'm not sure if this addressed your question or not, but I hope it helps.
Bob Quesal