Voice Project at HCHS

Ninety percent of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of developing a weak voice that can lead to serious speech and swallowing difficulties. Parkinson Voice Project's speech therapy program addresses these issues and is offered at Hancock County Health System.

The Parkinson Voice Project at HCHS combines education, individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!), and ongoing group sessions (The LOUD Crowd).

Speech Evaluation

The first step to improving one’s speaking abilities with Parkinson’s is to have an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist who is trained in the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd program.

Pre-treatment audio and video recordings are obtained, and speech and voice characteristics are assessed, including vocal volume, breath support for speech, vocal quality, articulation, and prosody. Stimulability testing is then performed to determine if the patient would benefit from SPEAK OUT!

SPEAK OUT!

After the provider order is received, it is time to begin SPEAK OUT! The program typically consists of twelve speech therapy sessions and daily home practice.

Together, the patient and speech-language pathologist complete speech, voice and cognitive exercises using a specialized workbook that Parkinson Voice Project provides to every person with Parkinson’s who is receiving SPEAK OUT!

SPEAK OUT! emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. Upon graduation from SPEAK OUT! patients transition to The LOUD Crowd.

Six-Month Follow Up

It can be challenging to make the transition from formal speech therapy to “maintenance.” This is why Parkinson Voice Project recommends a follow-up session with a speech-language pathologist about six months after SPEAK OUT! graduation. The SPEAK OUT! exercises are reviewed, and assistance with establishing a daily home practice routine is provided. Successful transition into The LOUD Crowd is also assessed.

The Loud Crowd

Since Parkinson’s is progressive and degenerative in nature, daily home practice and continuous follow-up is crucial to maintaining the improvements achieved in any kind of therapy. For this reason, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder created “The LOUD Crowd.”

The LOUD Crowd provides accountability and education through regularly scheduled group sessions where SPEAK OUT! exercises are performed and participants practice speaking with intent. As an added bonus, this maintenance program promotes camaraderie and provides support and encouragement.