Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 7, 2025
News Summary
The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program at Western Kentucky University provides free support for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, addressing speech and swallowing challenges. Funded by the Parkinson Voice Project, the program combines individual therapy and group support, enhancing communication skills through structured exercises. Located at the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex, the initiative is accessible to all Kentucky residents both in-person and via telepractice, aiming to improve quality of life for participants.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Western Kentucky University Launches Free Therapy Program for Parkinson’s
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Voice Care Program has introduced the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, designed to assist individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders. This initiative, part of the university’s Communication Disorders Clinic, is available free of charge, thanks to funding from the Parkinson Voice Project.
The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program aims to provide crucial support for individuals facing speech and swallowing challenges often associated with Parkinson’s disease. Research indicates that up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s are at heightened risk of losing their speech capabilities, while complications related to swallowing contribute to approximately 70% of the mortality rate in this demographic. By addressing both speech and swallowing needs, the program seeks to enhance the quality of life for participants.
As an evidence-based initiative, the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program combines individual speech therapy, educational resources, and ongoing group support. Participants will receive SPEAK OUT! Workbooks which offer structured exercises and guidance to improve communication skills. Additionally, the program includes online SPEAK OUT! Home Practice Sessions, allowing for continued practice outside of therapy appointments.
To complement the speech therapy, WKU also offers a weekly Parkinson’s Sing-Along, which serves as a social and supportive activity to encourage participants in their language rehabilitation journey.
Located at the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (SVCEC) at 104 Alumni Ave, the WKU Voice Care Program is accessible to all residents of Kentucky, with options for both in-person and telepractice sessions. This flexibility ensures that individuals from different regions can take advantage of the services provided, further extending the program’s reach.
Individuals interested in participating in the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program can schedule a screening by contacting Dr. Amy Engelhoven at 270-883-2736. For those seeking more detailed information about the program, the public is encouraged to visit the Parkinson Voice Project’s official website.
About the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program
The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program is an initiative stemming from the efforts of the Parkinson Voice Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to therapeutic resources for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease. With the aim of making quality speech therapy accessible worldwide, the program employs a well-researched approach, promoting longevity in speech and swallowing abilities among participants.
This program signifies a major step in providing essential communication support for individuals affected by neurological disorders, reaffirming WKU’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its community members.
Features of the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free of charge for participants |
| Target Audience | Individuals with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders |
| Components | Individual therapy, education, group support |
| Mortality Concern | 70% mortality linked to swallowing complications |
| Speech Risk | 90% of people with Parkinson’s may lose speech abilities |
| Location | Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex, 104 Alumni Ave |
| Contact | Dr. Amy Engelhoven, 270-883-2736 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program?
The program is designed for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders.
Is there a cost associated with the therapy?
No, the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program is free of charge, funded by a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project.
What type of support does the program offer?
The program offers individual speech therapy, educational resources, and ongoing group support.
Where is the program located?
The WKU Voice Care Program is located at the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at 104 Alumni Ave, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Interested individuals may contact Dr. Amy Engelhoven at 270-883-2736 to schedule a screening.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WKU Communication Disorders Clinic – SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program
- Wikipedia: Parkinson’s Disease
- BG Daily News – Hands-off Protest
- Google Search: Parkinson’s Voice Project
- First for Women – Young Onset Parkinson’s
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disorder
- People – Buddy Valastro Speaks Out
- Google News: Parkinson’s Disease
- Sentinel Tribune – Manager Sentenced for Theft
- Google Scholar: Parkinson’s Voice Project
- People – Buddy Valastro Update
- Google Search: Speech Therapy
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