This is a threaded discussion page for the International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference paper, Stuttering Foundation of America -- Looking Back and Looking Forward by Jane Fraser. Collaborative team From: Ed Feuer Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:36:33 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments In your article, you said: "The plan formulated by Van Riper and my father was to bring together eminent speech pathologists as well as guest authorities in psychology, psychiatry, and even in cultural anthropology for an entire week of discussions to see if they could agree upon some general guidelines for a comprehensive program on stuttering." With that plan in mind, would the SFA be willing to take an objective look at a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach for the treatment of stuttering in adults. This concept recognizes the fact that although SLPs have a central role in therapy, they do not have all the answers in stuttering and that their stuttering clients could benefit from a multidisciplinary team including other professionals with relevant expertise. Re: Collaborative team From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:37:08 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments This is an excellent idea. I would love to hear more. Re: Collaborative team From: Ed Feuer Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:37:41 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Jane, If you wish to learn more about the collaborative team concept, please read my brief futuristic essay on the Stuttering Home Page at: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/TherapyWWW/In2025.html The SFA could help make it happen. Ñ Ed Feuer SFA From: chuck goldmanÊ chuckig@aol.com Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:38:25 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments As a current colleague of Oliver Bloodstein I could imagine him reminding you of the tension between Johnson and Van Riper. It is Oliver's storytelling ability that continues to entrance students in his program. I'm glad I have this personal opportunity to say thanks as both a university teacher and a clinician. There is nowhere else a clinician student or teacher can turn for low cost comprehensive professional information. Re: SFA From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:39:01 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Thank you Chuck. Yes, Oliver is a fabulous story teller. I remebered the tension my father felt...but of course, he was thrilled too to be in the company of such interesting men and with other people who stuttered. He didn't find many in the auto parts business. Consulting Fees From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:39:47 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Does SFA pay consulting fees to persons like Drs. Guitar, Ramig, Hunt, etc? If so, don't you think that they are taking advantage of your organization just because SFA can afford it while other non-profits such as the National Stuttering Project can't? Does SFA also pay any fees to their celebrity spokespersons like John Stossel or Mel Tillis? Re: Consulting Fees From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:40:53 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments The answer to both of your questions is no, we do not. Re: Consulting Fees From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:53:00 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Actually I asked three questions. I don't know which two questions you answered 'no.' I'd appreciate some clarification. 1. Does SFA pay consulting fees to persons like Dr. Ramig, Dr. Guitar or Dr. Hood? 2. Since they provide their services to NSP for free, why do you feel that SFA is not being taken advantage of because it has more money than NSP does? 3. Does SFA pay any fees to the celebrity spokespersons like John Stossel or Mel Tillis or Bill Walton? Thanks from the BSA From: Susan Page Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:41:42 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments On behalf of the British Stammering Association, I would like to express my admiration for the excellent work the SFA has done for stammerers all over the world. During the crucial years when the BSA (then AFS) began to establish itself as a professional organisation with a permanent office and paid staff they gave us their unstinting support. During those years, this very often made the difference between the Association's success or failure. The BSA would not be where it is today without the vision of Malcolm Fraser and the support of his successors. Susan Page Chair, British Stammering Association Re: Thanks from the BSA From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:42:12 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Thank you so much for your lovely comments! Congratulations From: Gunars K. Neiders Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:42:57 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Ms. Fraser, To my knowledge Stuttering Foundation of America and those who have participated in its functioning are very exceptional if not unique in the history of mankind for several reasons: 1. For the service it has provided to the stuttering community with such limited means. I still have more than a dozen publications that I ordered throughout my life. The cost of these was miniscule as to the inspiration they gave me through some of my darkest moments of doubt about hope in stuttering therapy. 2. For its unique ability to avoid serious political squabbles. 3. For its low operating overhead. I have not heard of any other charitable organization that can claim your overhead figures. 4. For its durability to exist for over a half century and still be so vibrant and meaningful. I wish you, and all the people participating in your endeavors all the best. Sincerely, Gunars p.s. I think that your fathers example of selfless giving has been one of the inspirations for the people in the field. As for Van Riper's and Johnson's contentious struggles, I as a client at Ohio State University's Speech Clinic in the mid fifties heard many of tales told by professors and graduate students. One could write a high drama about their struggles. Today's arguments seem palid in comparison. Re: Congratulations From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:43:39 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Thank you for your many wonderful comments. We are so happy to be of service to you. SFA's support of ISTAR From: Molly Tami, Cincinnati Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:44:23 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Ms. Fraser, Your article was extremely interesting and I congratulate you on all of SFA's important accomplishments. I am writing to thank you for SFA's support of ISTAR and the Univ. of Alberta. I spent this past August there with my 8 year old son, and found the program and staff there to be wonderful! My son participated in the month long intensive clinic for school age children who stutter. I am happy to report that we have had great results from the program and we are committed to helping ISTAR continue with its work. I only wish that there was a comparable program in the U.S. Thank you for your important work. It is truly appreciated. Sincerely, Molly Tami Re: SFA's support of ISTAR From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/15/98 Time: 12:54:41 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.158 Comments Thank you so much for your nice comments! -Jane Re: SFA's support of ISTAR From: Jaan Pill Date: 10/15/98 Time: 7:45:43 PM Remote Name: 207.34.226.35 Comments Jane, I visited ISTAR for a refresher clinic in July 1997, I learned at that time that financial support for ISTAR from SFA has resulted in tremendous benefits for a large number of people. I had meant to express my personal thanks, as a person involved with volunteer work with CAPS, for the support that you have given ISTAR. Now I can see an opportunity, through this online conference, to finally express my thanks. I have also met a number of very dedicated, resourceful, and clinically skillful Canadian speech-language pathologists who have attended Hugo Gregory's intensive summer workshops at Northwestern University for graduate speech professionals from around the world. The program offers a first-rate training program for clinicians who wish to further enhance their credentials in the area of stuttering treatment. These workshops are highly valuable and are highly regarded. I am aware that SFA provides generous financial support for these workshops, which are attended by clinicians from around the world. I wish to express sincere and heartfelt thanks to SFA for all of your fine work. Jaan Pill Coordinator, Canadian Association for People Who Stutter Re: SFA's support of ISTAR From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/16/98 Time: 3:50:05 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.130 Comments Actually, the funds for ISTAR comes directly from the estate of Malcolm Fraser. Re: SFA's support of ISTAR From: Jaan Pill Date: 10/17/98 Time: 7:40:12 AM Remote Name: 207.34.213.199 Comments Good to have the correction. I'll mention that in CAPS publicity concerning SFA. Jaan Administrative expenses From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:48:01 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments You wrote: "We work very hard at concentrating expenditures on program services -- in 1997 less than 5% went for administrative expenses, including a minuscule 6/10 of 1% for fund raising." Could you clarify what you classify as administrative expenses? Does that include salaries, rent, costs of printing and distribution of printed and video tape material, production of these materials, costs associated for the production and distribution of Public Service Announcements, fees to Public Relations firms and SLPs, telephone costs, etc. All this for around $40,000 or 5% of your annual $800,000 budget. Wow, I'm impressed. Low Cost Referrals From: Brooke Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:49:03 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Mr. Malcolm Fraser is admired for his charitiable act of using some of his wealth from NAPA auto parts to establish SFA. Unfortunately my family is not as well off. Most of SFAÕs referrals for speech therapy charge fees that we canÕt afford. Does SFA have a policy that SLPs who are trained at your Northwest University workshop give some of that back in low cost therapy? I realize that for many years SFA has been a support and educational organization for SLPs. In the future, has SFA considered focusing more on the support of children and adults who stutter, especially those who canÕt afford the usual high cost of speech therapy Re: Low Cost Referrals From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/19/98 Time: 9:37:44 AM Remote Name: 207.115.62.14 Comments Brooke, SInce SFA seems to be giving you the cold shoulder and not answering your question, let me try. You asked, >Does SFA have a policy that SLPs who are >trained at your Northwest University workshop >give some of that back in low cost therapy? I've known two Speech Pathologists who have gone to the SFA/Northwest University Workshop for fluency specialists. There was no commitment to give back the free education received in any low cost therapy for stuttering. Although I know of a few fluency specialists in private practice who have a sliding scale of fees based upon the client's financial situation. Re: Low Cost Referrals From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/20/98 Time: 9:00:36 AM Remote Name: 208.14.113.136 Comments We provide self-therapy materials to all public libraries for those who cannot afford therapy. We hear from many people whose lives have been turned around by these materials. In two weeks we will make available a 55 minute videotape which offers many self-therapy ideas. Re: Low Cost Referrals From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/21/98 Time: 9:56:23 AM Remote Name: 207.115.62.86 Comments I've heard that a referral service is being started in the U.S. that will negotiate lower cost rates with Fluency Disorder Specialists. Although they are waiting for the ASHA fluency disorder speciality recognition to be established This would be similiar to the Preferred Providers that medical insurance companies use. It seems like a good idea to me. Full time staff From: Brooke Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:49:57 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Does SFA employ stutterers on its full time staff? While I thought that SFA's video for teenagers had some very good advice, I was disappointed that SFA hired young moderators who didn't stutter for the video. We who stutter could have used the work. Re: Full time staff From: Date: 10/19/98 Time: 11:06:40 AM Remote Name: 207.115.62.17 Comments Brooke, Since Jane Fraser seems to be giving you the cold shoulder, I'll try to answer your question. You asked >Does SFA employ stutterers on its full time staff? I'm not too sure. But whenever I've called SFA, the person who answered the line didn't stutter. On the other hand, the National Stuttering Project has two full time staff members, one who stutters (their Executive Director) and one who doesn't (Office Manager). And some of the volunteers who answer the NSP telephone stutter. I know what it was like for us to overcome our fear of the telephone. So I like to hear another stutterer answer the NSP telephone. You asked, >While I thought that SFA's video for teenagers >had some very good advice, I was disappointed >that SFA hired young moderators who didn't >stutter for the video. NSP has a video for teens Administrative Costs From: Evelyn Thau Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:50:33 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments I'm impressed with your 5% administrative costs. Are staff salaries, public relations(press releases and advertising), telephone costs and the cost of speech consultants included? What is the real dollar amount for administrative costs? Re: Administrative Costs From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/15/98 Time: 1:08:20 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.158 Comments Administration cost for 1997: $36,573 Total for Program Services: $916,835 Celebrity Spokespersons From: Evelyn Thau Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:51:15 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments I commend a lot of SFA's public awareness program. But I have some doubts about your choice for celebrity spokespersons. What is SFA's criteria for the selection of celebrity spokesmen? And why no women so far? Some of your choices have been controversal? For example, Mel Tillis has allowed his stuttering to be mimicked and made fun by others on the stage and in films he has appeared in. This has offended some of us who stutter and models rude behavior toward us. And John Stossel has opposed stutterers exerting their rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act and he has falsely accused the National Stuttering Project of something they never did. Re: Celebrity Spokespersons From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/15/98 Time: 1:01:04 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.158 Comments Thanks for your comments. We have asked several women to act as our spokesperson, but they declined. -Jane NBC Nightly News With Tom Brokaw From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:52:17 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Were you misquoted when you appeared with then President ASHA President Charlene Seymour and I on a 1996 NBC Nightly News segment on Porky Pig? As you remember the correspondent charactized SFA's position of "Get a life" to Dr. Seymour and my position against Porky being used to bully children who stutter. If you were misrepresented, why hasn't SFA contacted Dr. Seymour and I to correct that misunderstanding. Workshop for Specialists From: Andy Floyd Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:53:50 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Ms. Fraser, I am a second year SLP grad student and I was wondering if there are any qualifications one has to have in order to be accepted into the yearly workshop for specialists. I have heard that acceptance is getting tougher because of all the applicants. Are CFY's elgibile? Or is it just for those with their C's. Is there anything that the SFA looks for when deciding who to accept? Hopefully I'll be able to meet you this year in San Antonio. I wanted to the last couple of years but felt silly because I didn't know what to say except to introduce myself :) Re: Workshop for Specialists From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/15/98 Time: 1:12:03 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.158 Comments Come by our booth in San Antonio and say hello. If you give me your mailing address I'd be glad to send you information on the workshop. -Jane Cheap shots and second guessers From: Bob Quesal Date: 10/14/98 Time: 8:54:30 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments It's very easy to sit on the sidelines and take pot shots at the SFA, particularly when one has an agenda one wishes to promote. Unfortunately, I guess, SFA isn't perfect which seems to be what some posters are asking for. I will always be indebted to the SFA for the book "To the Stutterer" which I read in 1973, and which turned my life around. SFA does SO MUCH good work and does it very well. Your father, Malcolm, is to be credited for coming up with the idea for the SFA, and you deserve our undying thanks for keeping his dream alive, and in fact furthering it. Keep up the good work--you'll always have my support. Re: Cheap shots and second guessers From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/15/98 Time: 1:13:16 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.158 Comments Thanks so much for your kind comments. -Jane Re: Cheap shots and second guessers From: Evelyn Thau Date: 10/16/98 Time: 11:55:37 AM Remote Name: 205.188.193.49 Comments Bob, Can't you think of anything to help make SFA a better, more perfect organization? Telephone Calls Brochure From: Evelyn Thau Date: 10/15/98 Time: 6:29:42 PM Remote Name: 152.163.201.48 Comments I hope you don't consider me a pest but as SFA is looking ahead. does SFA plan to revise their brochure for making telephone calls? Some stutterers like author Marty Jezer are helped with the use of certain electronic devices when making telephone calls. Would SFA consider adding this option to their brochure on making telephone calls? Re: Telephone Calls Brochure From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/16/98 Time: 3:44:36 PM Remote Name: 208.14.113.130 Comments Anything that works is certainly worth letting people know about. Minimal Charges for Books From: Valerie Johnston Date: 10/16/98 Time: 4:08:05 PM Remote Name: 209.30.14.205 Comments Hi Jane, As usual you did a great job of presenting the history of the SFA. I just want to make a comment about the minimal charge for the books. In addition to eliminating requests from those who aren't really interested, you may also be increasing the appreciation of the books for those who do order them. It has been my experience that when people have to pay for something they appreciate it more than if they received it for nothing. Keep up the good work. Those videos are great. I know you are reaching more people now because a lot more people who contact me say they have already concted the SFA when I suggest that they get some of your publications. Sincerely, Valerie Re: Minimal Charges for Books From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/18/98 Time: 12:47:30 PM Remote Name: 209.156.100.29 Comments Valerie, You wrote: >It has been my experience that when people >have to pay for something they appreciate it >more than if they received it for nothing. I disagree. Getting stuff for free is always better than having to pay for it. When I get a free night at a hotel or a free airline ticket, I really appreciate that. I remember when the Executive Director for the National Stuttering Project loved getting the royal treatment with a free airline ticket and stay at a first class hotel in New York City. He was brought to New York to appear on the CBS News magazine program, "Eye To Eye With Connie Chung." I also appreciate an invitation to a free advance screening of a new film. Free is definitely better. Re: Minimal Charges for Books From: Valerie Johnston Date: 10/20/98 Time: 8:06:40 PM Remote Name: 209.30.13.76 Comments Ira, I agree with you that free is good when it's provided as an award or an honor, or even as a personal gift. But I do maintain that the perceived value of an object (to wit, a book)is diminished when it's provided to anyone just for the asking. Valerie Re: Minimal Charges for Books From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/21/98 Time: 9:02:27 AM Remote Name: 208.14.113.148 Comments Valerie, We agree with you. It's human nature-when you pay for something yourself, the more you value it. Jane Re: Minimal Charges for Books From: Ira Zimmerman Date: 10/21/98 Time: 9:46:26 AM Remote Name: 207.115.62.86 Comments Following your logic, I suppose SFA should charge more for their material so that they will be valued more by those that order them. Or one should at all costs avoid items that are discounted. Paying the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price will do so much more for your self-esteem. Thanks for all the info! From: Amy Voss and Wendy O'Rourke Date: 10/19/98 Time: 1:05:20 PM Remote Name: 206.10.222.10 Comments We are both graduate students at Mankato State and are taking a Stuttering seminar presented by Judith Kuster. Our assignment was to read some papers and post a comment of question. As my partner and I discussed the information that you presented in your article about the history, present times, and future of the Stuttering Foundation, we were amazed at how far it has come. We wanted to take this time to thank you for your wonderful instights on the road that it has taken and what may come down the road. It is really amazing how something that starts out so small can become so important. We find ourselves not feeling as small as we may have thought and that we all can make a difference if we put our minds and hearts into it. Thanks again!! Amy Voss and Wendy O'Rourke Re: Thanks for all the info! From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/20/98 Time: 9:02:09 AM Remote Name: 208.14.113.136 Comments Thank you! We appreciate your comments. Thanks -- SFA From: Steve Hood Date: 10/20/98 Time: 11:59:02 AM Remote Name: 199.33.133.50 Comments There is no question that the SFA has made significant contributions during the past 50 years. We should all be appreciative of the fine work started by Malcolm, and continued by Jane Fraser. I would have hoped that one or two people would not have elected to use this ISAD as a platform for their person agendas, but alas, I fear this has been the case. No single group can perfectly meet the needs of a diverse constituency. None-the-less, the SFA has certainly had a positive impact on countless children, adolescents and adults who stutter, as well as their family members and friends. The SFA has benefitted both students and working professionls. THANKS, JANE. Thanks for your fine work. Re: Thanks -- SFA From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/21/98 Time: 9:03:24 AM Remote Name: 208.14.113.148 Comments Thank you so much for your kind comments! Jane Hello from Brazil ! From: Claudia Date: 10/22/98 Time: 6:14:57 AM Remote Name: 200.230.230.207 Comments Hi, Jane Today is the "Day". We are doing a seminar (at 7:30 PM) I hope it could be a success. By, Claudia Re: Hello from Brazil ! From: Jane Fraser Date: 10/22/98 Time: 10:47:23 AM Remote Name: 208.14.113.162 Comments Claudia, Congratulations! We hope it's a success. Jane