TEXAS VOICE PROJECT for Parkinson Disease
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  SPEAK OUT! is a voice improvement program developed by Parkinson Voice Project.  It was designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders learn how to project their voices to improve overall communication.  SPEAK OUT! is based on the teachings of Dr. Daniel R. Boone, a speech-language pathologist and voice specialist who has been treating patients with Parkinson’s since the mid-1950s.  Dr. Boone states that “when someone with Parkinson’s speaks with intent (e.g. speaks louder), their speech can be slower, louder, have better voice quality, and better articulation.”  Using “deliberate intention” helps speech become “much more normal in rhythm and clarity of articulation.” 
 
SPEAK OUT! consists of a combination of individual and group therapy sessions provided over 4-5 weeks.  Patients learn to “speak with intent” and “speak louder” while completing exercises that not only strengthen the entire speech and swallowing mechanisms, but also address common cognitive challenges experienced by many individuals with Parkinson’s (e.g. word finding difficulties).  Patients who have completed SPEAK OUT! report improvements in their quality of life, vocal volume, articulation, breath support for speech, swallowing, confidence, and a reduction in drooling.  All therapy sessions are conducted by Master’s Level Speech-Language Pathologists who are certified by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing-Association.		    
     
 

Parkinson Voice Project does not bill Medicare or insurance companies. The program is supported entirely by donations, grants, and a “Pay It Forward” system. At the end of voice treatment, each patient is given an opportunity to make a donation and “Pay It Forward” to help the next patient receive treatment. Parkinson Voice Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to whom tax deductible contributions can be made. Thanks to all of our marvelous donors, we have never had to deny anyone treatment. For more information, please see our “Pay It Forward” commitment form.