Public Awareness of Stuttering

In 1985 the Foundation began to turn its attention to public awareness of stuttering. Today, an extensive public awareness campaign:

1. Educates the public about stuttering in an effort to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding it,
2. Advises the public that help is available, and
3. Focuses attention on the latest research.

Every year press releases on stuttering are distributed to both daily and weekly newspapers, syndicated columnists, and editors at magazines, radio and TV stations, resulting in thousands of articles on different aspects of the disorder. The stories and appearances on national television—including CBS This Morning, The Today Show, and CNN—have in turn generated thousands of calls from readers, listeners and viewers concerned about stuttering.

Public service advertisements reach millions of readers each year through the generosity of national, regional and local magazines, and televised public service announcements air on national networks and on radio stations across the country. In 2001 alone, the public awareness program with actor Nick Brendon reached more than 200 million readers, and more than $2.5 million in advertising space was donated for the Foundation’s public service advertisements.

Of course, the Foundation’s Web site, www.stutteringhelp.org, contains information for the general public as well as specific help for those who stutter and their families. With about 250-500 hits hits per day, this online source is proving an extremely useful tool in raising awareness about stuttering, dispelling common myths, and providing helpful resources.

Since 1992, the following nationally-recognized spokespersons have worked with the Foundation to promote National Stuttering Awareness Week: Annie Glenn, wife of astronaut and senator John Glenn; country music star Mel Tillis; ABC 20/20’s John Stossel; zoologist, author and explorer Dr. Alan Rabinowitz; NBC Sports commentator and basketball star Bill Walton; Metropolitan Opera star Robert Merrill; U.S. Open champion and CBS Sports commentator Ken Venturi; Chicago Bull’s legend Bob Love; and Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon. Their leadership has helped reach millions of people with a message of help and hope.