A-State Participates in Parkinson Voice Project, Welcomes Founder to Speak
From left: Parker Wooten, student clinician; Kalin Key Copeland, student clinician; Jeff Weir; Joni Bryson; Phillip Gay; and Susan Motts.
JONESBORO – With the help of a $50,000 grant, the Arkansas State University Department of Communication Disorders has participated in the Parkinson Voice Project (PVP) since being selected as one of 16 university programs in the U.S. to receive the 2023 grant.
“They have awarded us a grant and designated A-State as the 'Speak Out!' Therapy and Research Center for the state of Arkansas,” said Dr. Shanon Brantley, assistant professor of communication disorders.
Brantley said she wants people to know that this service is available.
“We provide speech therapy services either online or in person to people with Parkinson’s or Parkinson-related diseases,” said Brantley.
The services are provided free of charge.
"The grant also provided training for all faculty and students, online resources, and workbooks and therapy material for our clinic, all at no charge," she continued.
Brantley said with this program, students are receiving advanced training in speech therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s and significant hands-on clinical experience.
“We are able to provide services across the state, which facilitates good community service and clinic growth. The grant is also leading to additional faculty and student research,” Brantley added.
PVP founder Samantha Elandary will visit the Department of Communication Disorders on Thursday, April 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“While here, she will provide information as well as a question and answer session for people with Parkinson’s disease, their family and or caregivers from 1 until 2 p.m.,” added Brantley.
She said Elandary will talk to students about the therapy project associated with the grant.
Speak Out! Therapy Program, which was developed by PVP, helps individuals with Parkinson’s disease regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This evidence-based program combines education for the patient and family, individual speech therapy, daily home practice using workbooks, flashcards, online practice sessions and weekly speech groups.
For more information on the program, visit ParkinsonVoiceProject.org.
