A university that understands stammering
By Natalie Costa

The Middlesex Uninversity stand for stammering awareness day on October 22nd was organised by Natalie Costa (centre). All staff were sent an email about the event, with details on how to help people who stammer.

I have worked in the student support area at Middlesex University for four years. In this time I have come across several students and members of staff who stammer and it is where I met my partner who also has a stammer. I feel I have been fortunate to gain an understanding of stammering and the issues that can arise from it. As my understanding grew, I became increasingly aware of difficulties faced by people who stammer. This situation has often been aggravated by a lack of understanding on the side of the listener. This inspired me to set up an information stall on International Stammering Awareness Day at the Trent Park campus, to raise awareness within the university. A seminar presented by speech therapist Elaine Kelman from the Michael Palin Centre was scheduled, inviting members of management teams and anyone who was interested to attend.

The day was very successful and I hope to stage such events at all Middlesex University's main campuses next year.

I would like to thank the University's Health Promoting Group for their help and support, Tom Greenhalgh and Elmo Walker (pictured) for providing information on the stall, and to all who participated in making a success of International Stammering Awareness Day at Trent Park.

From the Winter 2003 edition of Speaking Out

International Stammering Awareness Day