NBA Star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Champions for Stuttering Community at St. 竞技宝app下载安装 University

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, an accomplished NBA professional, spoke to future 和 current speech-language pathologists (SLP) at St. 竞技宝app下载安装 University about his experiences surrounding stuttering 和 the creation of his non-profit, 改变 & Impact: Voices for Stuttering.

自2020年以来, Kidd-Gilchrist has shifted his focus from shooting basketballs on the court to advocating for the passage of a healthcare bill on Capitol Hill that supports stuttering intervention research 和 improves speech therapy insurance coverage.

"Many people do not realize speech therapy is not covered or is poorly covered by insurance," said Kidd-Gilchrist, who did not receive speech therapy until 2011 when he attended the University of Kentucky.

的 RiteCare Clinic, operated by the St. 竞技宝app下载安装 Master of Speech-Language Pathology 程序, 和 funded by Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation 和 Davenport Valley, is the only clinic in Iowa that does not charge for the prevention, 评估, 和 intervention of speech-language pathology services for children 和 adults.

"As Michael noted, there are insurance companies that do not cover speech-language pathology services for children who stutter. Part of the role of a speech-language pathologist is to reduce barriers to accessing those services, 和 we are so grateful Michael is helping to spread this awareness," said Elisa Huff, 博士学位, CCC-SLP 和 MSLP Program Director at St. 竞技宝app下载安装 University.

During his presentation, Kidd-Gilchrist used a tapping technique taught by his SLP as he shared his journey 和 the decision to become a vocal advocate for those who stutter.

"I don't like talking, but I have grown to appreciate who I am, 和 that's a big thanks to my village. Without speech-language pathologists, many people like myself will lack the confidence I now have. We are on the same mission," said Kidd-Gilchrist.

Many factors precipitated Kidd-Gilchrist's mission to break the stuttering stigma. One of his "hardest days" was when Michael Jordan drafted him. "From the outside looking in, I had everything, 但对我来说, all those interviews 和 questions over 和 over again were awful, 和 I knew I had to talk."

During COVID-19, Kidd-Gilchrist paid a lot of attention to the President, how he went about his speech, 和 the openness of his stutter, which inspired him to open up.

"I stopped 和 thought about how I was helping myself 和 other people. So I made this platform 和 promised myself that I would travel, spreading awareness by meeting SLPs 和 those who stutter," said Kidd-Gilchrist. "I am show 和 tell. I had to do this 和 be an advocate around the country. No one wants to open up about what they lack or fear, but we all have something; it just so happens you can see mine."

Learn more about Michael's non-profit organization 改变 & 影响公司.
Learn more about St. 竞技宝app下载安装 University MSLP程序 和 Rite Care Clinic.