The Communication Disorders Clinic is pleased to offer a two-part speech therapy program to help individuals with Parkinson’s regain and maintain effective communication: SPEAK OUT!® followed by The LOUD Crowd®.
SPEAK OUT!® places emphasis on speaking with intent and converting speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. Together, patients and their speech-language pathologist work through a series of speech, voice and cognitive exercises outlined in a SPEAK OUT!® Workbook.
Upon completion of SPEAK OUT!®, patients transition to The LOUD Crowd®. This maintenance program consists of weekly group sessions led by a speech-language pathologist. The SPEAK OUT!® exercises are performed, and group members provide support, encouragement and accountability to one another.
Participation in The LOUD Crowd®, along with daily home practice and six-month re-evaluations, has been shown to help patients maintain their communication skills throughout the progression of Parkinson’s.
For more information about SPEAK OUT!® and The LOUD Crowd® or to schedule a speech evaluation, please call 407-882-0468.
SPEAK OUT! is speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. It is designed to improve their voice and swallowing. In this program, patients learn to speak with intent. SPEAK OUT! is usually completed in 12 sessions over four weeks. During the four weeks, clients report improvement in their speaking and their overall quality of life.
LOUD Crowd is the group therapy portion of the program that meets once weekly. The sessions provide maintenance for skills obtained during SPEAK OUT!
The SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy programs were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX. You can visit their website HERE.
SPEAK OUT! sessions occur daily at the University of Central Florida Communication Disorders Clinic.
Most people with Parkinson’s disease experience change in communication and swallowing. Therapy should begin as soon as possible! Participation in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd can help your voice.
Our clinic will bill your insurance for SPEAK OUT! treatment. Please check with your insurance to make sure of the co-pay or cost for therapy.