Scottish BSA members, Claire Pirnie, Roz Urquhart, Callum Wells, and Glasgow speech and language therapist Carolyn Allen, received part sponsorship to attend the International Fluency Association (IFA) 5th World Congress in Dublin. BSA Scotland development manager, Jan Anderson, and a further Scottish BSA member, Jim Cowan, who co-presented an excellent workshop with Carolyn, completed the Scottish delegation.

In the spectacular setting of Trinity College, the three day congress discussed theoretical, empirical, clinical and cultural approaches to stammering. Carolyn commented: "The community of clinicians, researchers and people who stammer is small and as a result, the conference offered a warm, friendly environment in which we shared our common interest. Fiery, inspiring, challenging and thought-provoking conversations occur naturally throughout the congress and discussions continue even when the sun has long gone down".

Anita Blom's fervent, heartfelt, contribution to the 'Stuttering: Disability or Not?' forum sticks in my mind. Anita, who is Vice Chair of the European League of Stuttering Associations, said she probably wouldn't stammer when she gave her presentation, and therefore at that moment, stammering would not disable her. Stammering would become a disability, however, if she experienced the pain of being ridiculed or of having someone finish off her words. Stammering is disabling for the child who is struggling in school. And it can be the ignorance of other people that makes it a disability. Anita commented that much has been gained (like protection through legislation and funding) by linking stammering with the disability rights movement. She urged us to overcome our pride and not deprive those who are disabled by stammering, by saying stammering is not a disability, just because it's not for us at that moment.

'The importance of the self help movement (and its global status) was apparent throughout [the congress] and I enjoyed meeting (and learning from) people from various stammering associations', reported Callum. 'I plan to share what I have learned with the Glasgow support group; hopefully generating healthy debate'.

Roz and I attended a meeting with members of the International Stuttering Association and the Dublin self help group. We discussed the concept of self help and much more. It was fascinating to hear about different cultural approaches to self help in other parts of the world. We came away with new ideas to share with the Edinburgh group; although possibly we won't be adopting the American 'Stutterers are Better Lovers' tee shirts!

Closer links between BSA Scotland and the Irish Stammering Association were formed during the congress. Jan commented: 'It was very rewarding to share what has been learned at BSA Scotland and to learn more about the field of stammering and stammering therapy in Ireland. As two countries of similar size, I hope we can foster links and mutual support in future'.

'Our Time' amateur theatre company put on a performance of acting, singing, dancing, rapping and poetry about stammering and other topics. 'Our Time' was founded by Taro Alexander, a professional actor and person who stammers. Based in New York, the theatre company provides an artistic home for young people who stammer, aged eight to 18. The actors write and perform all of their own material. It was easy to see how much the young people enjoyed performing. From the audience, there was laughter, tears, a standing ovation and then lots of hugging! It was surreal, but very moving - a definite highlight for all those who attended. 'This has made me even more determined to bring drama and stammering together in Scotland and stimulated my interest in bringing young people who stammer into such a project', reported Jan. 'I also spoke with Taro Alexander about bringing 'Our Time' to the Edinburgh Festival in the future.'

Being able to attend this prestigious congress was a privilege. I was previously unaware of what a global issue stammering is, and of the passion and dedication that exists for it world wide. It was great to be part of a Scottish presence at this international event.

From Blether Issue 4, Autumn 2006