NSA Virtual Parent & Caregiver Chapter

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

Join us in empowering people who stutter and their families. Donate to the National Stuttering Association to support life-changing programs, research, and community initiatives.

07/11/2025

This year's NSA conference was a blast. I shared this idea at a closing open mic session... I wasn't bullied for my stutter growing up, but I was made fun of or treated differently for a lot of other things. It is still a struggle to believe that there are people who enjoy the things about me that others have always expressed annoyance by, or at best put up with.

So I really believe in the power of people celebrating something, even if someone's not ready to celebrate it yet. Yes, this world can be brutal to stuttering. Yes, we can face discrimination and inaccessibility and bullying. And at the same time... there are people who love hearing you stutter. Not despite your stutter. Not because you offer the world something else that makes it worth putting up with. But because they love hearing stuttering voices. And people who love YOUR voice because it is a part of YOU, a person they love.

I overheard somebody say that they didn't believe anyone carried this spirit home with them. They said there was no way anyone liked their own stutter the other 51 weeks of the year. I find it interesting that we think we are mind readers all the time (I used to be this way too). And that the "truth" must always be anti-stuttering. I can guess why they thought this, but it actually is possible to believe people even when you can't understand how what they're saying is possible. In fact, I think that's an important step towards healing.

I am not asking any PWS to celebrate their own stutter if that feels impossible. That's ok. But see if you can believe me when I say there are people who celebrate every stutter... because I know there are.

Thanks for a super rad conference, and see you all in Scottsdale next year!

07/11/2025

Consider this your friendly reminder: the Stuttering Disclosure Card exists and it’s designed with you in mind!

We all know those situations where time is tight, stress is high, and words feel even harder to get out. A security checkpoint. A traffic stop. A hurried conversation with someone who’s clearly in a rush. In moments like that, having a way to quickly and clearly disclose your stutter can take the pressure down a notch.

That’s what this card is for. It gives you the option to share what’s going on without needing to explain it on the spot.

If you’ve already downloaded one, this is your reminder to keep it handy. Stick it in your wallet, your bag, your glove compartment, or wherever it’ll be easy to reach when you need it.

If you haven’t grabbed one yet, you can download it for free here: westutter.org/post/free-printables-brochures.

06/26/2025

06/26/2025

06/26/2025

We know Conference days can be full… emotionally, socially, and physically. Start your day off with finding your zen 🧘‍♀️🧘🧘‍♂️

Morning yoga starts at 8:15 AM on Thursday and Friday. No yoga experience needed. This will be your quiet space to stretch, breathe, and begin your day with clarity.

06/26/2025

Community check-in 💜

How have your communication experiences been this week? Drop an emoji, a word, or a full-on update.

We’re here, we’re listening, and we get it.

06/26/2025

06/20/2025

DM Forker knows that stuttering doesn’t just shape the way we express ourselves; it can also shape how we treat others.

If you haven’t read DM’s story yet, take a few minutes to check out our wonderful Q&A blog post with him! It’s personal, meaningful, and a testament to the power of resilience and compassion in action.

Check it out: https://www.westutter.org/post/dm-forker-stuttering-journey