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From: peter.ramig@colorado.edu
Date: 10/2/03
Time: 2:21:58 PM
Remote Name: 128.138.238.231
I, too, have a problem with the way the speechEasy device was portrayed via television exposure; however, as a clinician who has fit many, I want to state what I feel are the facts based on my experience thus far. 1) It does not cure stuttering; 2)It helps some people VERY significantly; 3) It helps some others FAIRLY significantly; 4) It helps some others VERY LITTLE or not all all; 5) There have been a substantial number of stutterers who have been helped more than many years of traditional speech therapy. To best determine if the device might be helpful, the client should first go through a fitting session with a certified provider that will last about three hours. The cost for this ranges from $200-$400. Then and only then should a dermination be made to purchase it. If it is purchased, there is a 30-day period in which the device can be returned for a 90% refund of the purchase price of the unit (does not include the professional fitting fee) if they are not satisfied. Over the six months my private practice has been fitting and selling SpeechEasy, we have had no returns. I think that says something as to its usefulnes to people we have fit. Keep in mind, however, there have been a small number of clients we have discouraged from purchasing the device as a result of little success during the fitting session. The reason I continue to view the SpeechEasy as viable for some, is the fact it has helped some achieve more fluency than , in several cases, years of stuttering treatment. Although this is the case with some, I continue to support traditional stuttering treatment if administered by a clincian who understands fluency shaping , modification of stuttering, and the devastating impact of the resulting embarrassment, frustration and shame on the continuation/exacerbation of stuttering.