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Parkinson's Voice Clinic
The Parkinson's Voice Clinic provides voice and cognitive therapy for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, the Parkinson's Voice Clinic utilizes the SPEAK OUT! treatment program developed by the Parkinson Voice Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas.
WHAT IS SPEAK OUT?
The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project®, helps people with Parkinson's regain and retain their speech and swallowing abilities. The evidence based program combines education for the patient and family, individual speech therapy, daily home practice using workbooks, flashcards, and online practice sessions, along with weekly speech groups, and regular re-evaluations.
Who is a candidate for therapy?
- Individuals diagnosed with
Parkinson’s Disease - Able to follow simple directions
What skills are targeted?
- Vocal quality and volume
- Speech clarity
- Cognitive-linguistic skills
- Swallowing
Click Here for the Full Brochure
When is the Parkinson's Voice Clinic in session?
Treatment occurs on an individual and a group basis with individual treatment occurring first. You will attend individual therapy three days a week for about four weeks before transitioning to group therapy, which you will attend one day a week. Group therapy is ongoing and will only pause for schedule semester and holiday breaks.
Please contact Lauren Siemers for more information.
What is the cost of participating in the Parkinson's Voice Clinic?
There is currently no cost for the Parkinson's Voice Clinic or the materials, through funding provided by the Parkinson Voice Project.
More About Parkinson's Disease
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that is associated with a reduction in dopamine, a chemical in the brain that facilitates transmission of signals between neurons. Reduced dopamine causes slowed movements, rigidity and tremor, all of which can negatively affect the voice.
How does Parkinson’s disease affect my ability to communicate?
If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you can expect that your voice will become lower in volume as well as reduced in pitch range. This will not happen all at once, but will occur gradually and over time. Many individuals with Parkinson’s disease report that they don’t even realize the changes in their voice and only know of the differences because their family members and friends tell them.
What can I do to help my voice?
Clinics and Services
Communication Disorders Program
Contact Information
Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders
University of Central Missouri
Martin 34
PO Box 800
Warrensburg, MO 64086
Telephone: 660-543-4993
Fax: 660-543-8234
Email: wsc@ucmo.edu
