On Thursday, November 30, U.S. Representatives Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) and Kat Cammack (R-Fl.) announced the Congressional Bipartisan Unified Voices Caucus to advocate for individuals facing communication challenges, with a primary focus on stuttering. Joined by Change & Impact Founder & CEO, and NBA veteran, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the caucus announcement was followed by a panel of guest speakers who share a variety of expertise in the stuttering community. That panel included Academic & Research Program Director at the Center for Childhood Communication at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Joseph Donaher, Ph.D.; Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, Jessica Fanning, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Board-Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of the Chmela Communication Center, Kristin Chmela, M.A. CCC-SLP BCS-F; and the parent of a teenage daughter who stutters, Shaneen Quarles.
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From left to right: Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.), Change & Impact Founder & CEO, and NBA veteran, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-Fl.) participate in the Unified Voices Caucus Kickoff Event in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Following are excerpts of remarks from the event:
“As we embark on this journey, it is essential to underscore the significance of the cause we stand united for. Stuttering, a communication challenge affecting over 70 million people worldwide and approximately 3 million Americans, demands our attention and advocacy. The Caucus that Congressman Troy Carter, Sr., and I are starting is a testament to the bipartisan commitment we share to address the needs of those who stutter,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack.
“Access to effective speech therapy, with specialized interventions, is not just about improving speech; it’s about enhancing social and emotional welfare, promoting greater confidence, and fostering more effective communication. It can make the difference in a child’s achievement, an adult’s success, and a community’s understanding. I especially want to thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for partnering with me to make this launch possible,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
“It’s an honor to be here today to witness the bipartisan support for a cause and community that is so special to me. I give great thanks to Congressman Troy Carter and Congresswoman Kat Cammack for both making a commitment to stuttering advocacy and awareness. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead,” said Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
About Change & Impact, Inc.
Founded in 2021 by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Change & Impact, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare and expand services and resources for those who stutter. As a person who stutters, Kidd-Gilchrist started Change & Impact to advocate, educate, and raise awareness about stuttering. To learn more, visit www.changeandimpactinc.org
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