What is SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd?
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SPEAK OUT! is a therapy regimen tailored to people with Parkinson’s disease to improve their voicing, and in turn, their swallowing. In this program, speech is transformed from an automatic function to an intentional task. SPEAK OUT! is usually completed in 12 sessions spanning four weeks, and then the client transitions to the LOUD Crowd. In this four-week span, clients report improvement in their speaking, their ability to be heard, and their overall quality of life.
LOUD Crowd is the group therapy portion of the program and meets once weekly. The sessions provide maintenance for skills obtained during SPEAK OUT! and are a source of camaraderie for the members. Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center offers LOUD Crowd for free to SPEAK OUT! graduates.
The SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy regimens were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX. You can visit their website HERE.
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When and where can I receive services?
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SPEAK OUT! is offered just like any telehealth session with On Your Voice, LLC. Sign up for a time here. In collaboration with Salus University, LOUD Crowd meets in person. See their website for more information here.
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I have Parkinson’s disease. When should I begin seeing a speech therapist?
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According to studies, up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. To postpone and prevent this decline, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible. Participation in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd can change the effects that Parkinson’s disease has on your voice. Muscles become weak because they are not used to their full capacity, not because Parkinson’s is making them weak. SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd requires you to use the muscles for speaking and swallowing to their full potential to prevent decline.
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What costs are associated with these services?
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On Your Voice, LLC is now a Medicare Provider. We will bill your insurance for SPEAK OUT! treatment services provided. Please check with your insurance to determine the co-pay or cost associated with these services.
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LOUD Crowd is a free service offered at Salus University