Wider Access to Stammering Research

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Edinburgh Masker

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 09 Oct 2005
Time: 14:59:16 -0500
Remote Name: 84.66.95.193

Comments

Hi Peter, Thank you for your paper. I had become aware of your research via the British Stammering Association. I was particularly interested in your reference to the Edinburgh Masker, having been one of the first users of the device back in the 1970's. I did, in fact, take part in a follow-up survey conducted by the late Ann Dewar - a prominent member of the team that developed the Masker at Edinburgh University. I wore the device for more than 20 years, for 10-14 hours every day. I needed to have it available at all times due to the nature of my work. It became my mechanical crutch. I discarded it a few years ago when I made a major breakthrough with my communication problem. The only occasion that it now sees the light of day is when I undertake talks to numerous organisations about stuttering, and produce it as a remnant from the past. You may be interested to note that I touch upon the signifance of the Edinburgh Masker in my paper, 'How I Changed My Stuttering Mindset'. It can be found elsewhere in this ISAD Online Conference at: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad8/papers/badmington8.html Here is the relevant extract from that paper: "While serving as a police officer, the severity of my stutter made it necessary for me to wear a small electronic device, known as the Edinburgh Masker. It emitted a buzzing noise every time I spoke, blocking out the sound of my own voice. I wore it daily for 20 years, not hearing myself speak whilst it was activated. Although the equipment never eliminated my stuttering, it gave me the confidence to venture into situations that I might otherwise have avoided. Consequently, I expanded my comfort zones and developed my inter-personal skills. Despite considerable setbacks, I built up a system that would eventually support greater self-expression later in life. When I acquired the new breathing/speaking techniques in 2000, they proved to be the final pieces in the jigsaw." I wish you every success with your research. Kindest regards Alan Badmington


Last changed: 10/24/05