SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program

The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy program is a two-part therapy approach that strengthens the muscles used for speaking and swallowing by combining individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!®) with ongoing group therapy.

An estimated 90% of people with Parkinson’s may develop speech difficulty. When people with Parkinson’s lose their speaking abilities, it impacts their ability to effectively converse with family and friends, talk on the phone and even order food in a restaurant. This program, funded through a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project, provides professional training and therapy supplies to clinics like ours allowing us to help increase access to quality speech treatment.

The program emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. SPEAK OUT!® consists of individual speech therapy conducted by a speech-language pathologist working with speech therapists and graduate students. Together, the patient and clinician work their way through a series of speech, voice, and cognitive exercises outlined in a workbook.

Contact Information:
Kristin Berndt
kristin.berndt@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1543
Office: Clinical Sciences Building 119

Downloadable form for SPEAK OUT Intake form (bring with them to the first visit or fax to 507-389-2821)