How to Show Up as an Ally for Young People Who Stutter: A Guide for ISAD and Beyond

October 22nd marks International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD), a global event dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding for people who stutter. For families, educators, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who do not stutter, ISAD is an opportunity to be more than listeners—it's a chance to actively show up as allies, offering meaningful support to young people who stutter and the broader stuttering community.

What does it mean to be an ally on ISAD? It means taking action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people who stutter. It's about recognizing their unique experiences, connecting with them, and advocating for their needs.

A Brief History of International Stuttering Awareness Day

ISAD was established in 1998 by Michael Sugarman, an advocate for the stuttering community. The day is celebrated annually to bring professionals like SLPs and people who stutter together to share, support, and raise public awareness.

The color sea-green (or turquoise), which represents the solidarity and strength of the stuttering community, is a key symbol of ISAD.

Why Celebrating ISAD Matters

Celebrating ISAD is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people who stutter. For caregivers, SLPs, and teachers, this day is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage as true allies.

• For Caregivers: ISAD is a moment to connect with your child about their stuttering experience and strengthen your bond through open, supportive conversations. It's also a chance to connect with other caregivers and share your journey.

• For Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): ISAD offers a broader perspective on your role beyond therapy sessions. It's a day to connect with the greater stuttering community and gain deeper insights from people who stutter and their families.

• For Teachers: ISAD provides the opportunity to reflect on how inclusive your classroom is for students who stutter. By fostering open discussions about communication differences and ensuring all students feel valued, teachers can model inclusivity.

Practical Ways to Show Up as an Ally on ISAD

Here are some actionable steps to get started:

• Attend the ISAD Online Conference: Join the annual (FREE) ISAD Online Conference to hear from stuttering advocates, SLPs, and people who stutter about their experiences and the latest research.

• Explore the Stuttering Commons: Visit the Stuttering Commons page to discover various resources, art, and community insights centered on stuttering advocacy and support.

• Connect with the Stuttering Community: Engage with online or local support groups, such as those hosted by the National Stuttering Association or Friends, to connect with other caregivers, teachers, and SLPs for shared learning and support.

• Take a Course about Stuttering: Sign up for a professional development course or webinar, like those offered by the Stuttering Foundation, to learn strategies for fostering inclusivity and support for people who stutter.

• Host a Discussion on Stuttering Awareness: Facilitate a conversation—whether in a classroom, at home, or in a therapy setting—about ISAD, stuttering, and how to create more supportive spaces for young people who stutter.

• Collaborate with Peers: Connect with fellow educators, caregivers, or SLPs to exchange resources, ideas, and strategies for supporting young people who stutter throughout the year, not just on ISAD.

• Reflect on Your Allyship Journey: Use ISAD as a day to reflect on your allyship—how you’ve supported young people who stutter, the challenges you’ve faced, and the progress you’ve made.

• Plan for Future Allyship: Develop an ongoing strategy for supporting young people who stutter throughout the year, ensuring that your allyship continues beyond ISAD and remains an active part of your daily life.

Keep the Support Going Beyond ISAD

International Stuttering Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and take action to support young people who stutter. But it's just the beginning. Building a supportive environment requires ongoing engagement and commitment.

Let ISAD be a launchpad for continuous learning, understanding, and inclusion throughout the year.

Join us on Instagram for more ISAD-related content, resources, and inspiration to keep the conversation going and strengthen your allyship throughout the year.

Don't miss our blog post, "20 Creative Ways to Celebrate ISAD with Young People Who Stutter," for fun and engaging activities.

Background. (2024). International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) Online Conference. https://isad.live/