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National Stuttering Awareness Week runs from May 9 to May 15 each year, shining a light on stuttering and the experiences of those who stutter. This observance aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and provide support for individuals navigating speech disorders. Discover resources, participate in events, and share stories to foster a more inclusive community.
Want to sponsor National Stuttering Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected National Stuttering Awareness Week Deals
While National Stuttering Awareness Week primarily focuses on education and advocacy, many organizations and their corporate partners launch special campaigns to support the stuttering community. Expect the National Stuttering Association (NSA) to host online events and fundraising drives, often with matching gift opportunities from partners like Google or Microsoft, who invest in accessibility tech. The Stuttering Foundation will likely offer free resources and educational materials. Local speech pathology clinics might provide discounted screenings or workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as May 9 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Stuttering Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalStutteringAwarenessWeek. Share personal stories, educational graphics, or short videos to promote understanding.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalStutteringAwarenessWeek. Join conversations about speech diversity, share resources, and advocate for acceptance.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalStutteringAwarenessWeek. Post links to support groups, host live Q&A sessions with experts, or share inspiring testimonials.
National Stuttering Awareness Week Hero
Charles Van Riper
History of National Stuttering Awareness Week
The original idea for National Stuttering Awareness Week came from Dan Weiss, who helped organize the Philadelphia chapter of the National Stuttering Project (NSP), which is now called the National Stuttering Association. In October 1986, Weiss wrote a piece for the Philadelphia NSP newsletter “Speaking Out” suggesting that there should be a special week assigned to bring stuttering to the attention of the American public.
However it was Paul Castellano, with the tireless help of Barbara Hubbard Koval, both from Delaware, who played the most significant role. Despite having a relatively severe stutter, Castellano had the courage and determination to testify before several U.S. Congressional subcommittees in zealous efforts to raise the public’s awareness about stuttering. NSP members contacted their representatives.
Then in early April of 1988, Paul and Barbara appeared at the U.S. Capitol for a ceremony that established NSAW (National Stuttering Awareness Week). Many dignitaries, including Senator John Glenn whose wife Annie is a person who stutters (PWS), were present. Jane Fraser, President of the Stuttering Foundation of America, made a speech at the NSAW dedication ceremony on Capitol Hill.
On April 13, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the first proclamation for the period of May 9 through May 15 of 1988 as National Stuttering Awareness Week by Public Law 100-263.
National Stuttering Awareness Week timeline
The original idea for National Stuttering Awareness Week comes from Dan Weiss.
Castellano raises his voice and testifies before Congress in an effort to raise awareness about stuttering and increase the public's understanding.
President Ronald Reagan signs the first proclamation for National Stuttering Awareness Week.
President Ronald Reagan signs the first proclamation for National Stuttering Awareness Week.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week
Local businesses can honor National Stuttering Awareness Week by promoting inclusive communication practices within their teams and with customers. Consider hosting a workshop on active listening or sharing educational materials about stuttering in your waiting areas. Restaurants might offer a ‘Speak Easy’ discount to patrons who share a fact about stuttering, fostering conversation and reducing stigma. Encourage employees to participate in local advocacy events or donate to organizations like the National Stuttering Association.
National Stuttering Awareness Week FAQs
When is National Stuttering Awareness Week?
In 2027, National Stuttering Awareness Week is observed from Sunday, May 9 to Saturday, May 15. The week serves as a crucial period for raising public understanding and fostering an inclusive environment.
How many people stutter?
Globally, stuttering is a common speech disorder, impacting millions. For children, the prevalence is higher, with many outgrowing it, while around 1 in 100 adults continue to experience it.
What causes stuttering?
Stuttering is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, often with a genetic component. It involves differences in how the brain plans and produces speech, rather than being a psychological problem or a result of poor parenting.
Is stuttering a curable condition?
Stuttering is a chronic condition for many, but it is highly manageable. Speech-language pathology, support groups, and assistive technologies empower individuals to develop coping mechanisms and enhance their overall communication skills.
How To Observe National Stuttering Awareness Week
Get information
Visit your local public library and ask if they have resource materials on stuttering from the Stuttering Foundation. If they don’t have any, you can get more information on stuttering on the internet. Read more about the disorder and how to treat people who stutter.
Read a book
There are many excellent books on stuttering. There are several for free in Ebook format. Many have been translated into other languages. The more you read, the better you will be able to help out your friends and relatives who are suffering from stuttering, which will help reduce the social stigma attached to it.
Learn about a famous person who stutters
Learning about famous people who stutter helps us to understand we are not alone in our struggles. It provides hope and inspires everyone with the knowledge that great things can be achieved by people who stutter.
5 Ways To Identify Stuttering At A Young Age
Starting sentences
If your child finds difficulty in starting a word, phrase, or sentence.
Prolonging or repetition
Another sign of stuttering is if your child prolongs their pronunciation of a word or some sounds within a word or if they repeat a sound, syllable, or word.
Anxiety
If your child gets very anxious whenever asked to talk or starts to talk.
Tension in the face
If your child shows tension, tightness, or movement of the face or upper body when trying to pronounce a word.
Additional words
If your child adds extra words such as ‘um’ while talking and finds it difficult moving to the next word.
Why National Stuttering Awareness Week Is Important
Stuttering causes social stigma
Many people who stutter are seen in a bad light in society. We need to stand in solidarity with them and help them beat the social stigma. A week like this can help people have an open dialogue with their friends, relatives, and colleagues about the disorder.
Stuttering is curable
Many children outgrow stuttering as they grow up. However, there is still one-fourth of children suffering from stuttering who don’t outgrow this. A week like this aims to help these children with their speech.
Stuttering can lead to depression
The social stigma around stuttering can cause depression in children, which can even lead to suicide in some cases. Therefore, it’s good to talk about it and this week is a perfect start.
Social Media Tips for National Stuttering Awareness Week
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