World congress
unites groups

Fraser honored in medieval setting

Mark Irwin

In May, the International Stuttering Association, the umbrella organization representing 45 self-help groups throughout the world, held its 8th World Congress for people who stutter.

The event was held in Cavtat, a picturesque coastal town on the southern tip of the Republic of Croatia. Delegates from 43 countries comprised the more than 300 people who stutter, speech pathologists and family and friends who attended this event. A highlight was the Congress gala dinner which was held in the nearby medieval town of Dubrovnik. It was the scene of formal speeches and awards including the presentation of the ISA's Outstanding Contribution Award to the SFA's Jane Fraser.

In presenting the award to Fraser, Melvin Hoffman of ISA said, "No one has done more to further the cause of helping those who stutter."

"It is a thrill to receive this award that recognizes our work on behalf of those who struggle daily with stuttering," Fraser said.

The first honorary lifetime members of the ISA are Fraser and Judith Kuster, of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and creator of the Stuttering Home Page, www.stutteringhomepage.com.

Following this event, there can be no doubt that the world has advanced in its understanding of stuttering as well as strengthening the bonds of international cooperation.

The next triennial World Congress will be held in Beijing, China, in 2010.

CELEBRITY FOCUS

Bill Withers

While Bill Withers has long been on the Stuttering Foundation's list of Famous People Who Stutter, many people probably didn’t realize he stuttered. He passed away on March 30, 2020.

Born in 1938 in Slab Fork, W.V., Withers was the youngest of six children. When his father died when Withers was small, he was raised by his mother and grandmother, both of whom worked as domestics.

James Earl Jones

Actor James Earl Jones, a Broadway, television and movie star, is well-known for his voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and his book Voices and Silences. Jones has spoken some of the most memorable lines in the history of American film, but the man known for his voice was once afflicted with a severe stutter.

Carly Simon

Carly Simon began stuttering severely when she was eight years old.

John Stossel

John Stossel is one of the most recognized and articulate reporters today. However, he once considered giving up his broadcasting career because of his stuttering.

“Fear of stuttering can easily become worse than the stuttering itself,” observed Stossel. “The idea that I’m on television and making speeches is still a shock to me sometimes.”

Ken Venturi

As much of the nation watches the U.S. Open Golf Championship, it is impossible not to think about our late friend Ken Venturi. Ken overcame many challenges to win the Open at Congressional in 1964 and go on to become the voice of golf for more than three decades.

However, Ken faced no bigger obstacle than stuttering. Ken Venturi was a champion to those who stutter, going out of his way to share his personal experience when consulted by a colleague, friend, or child who stutters.

International Stuttering Association

World congress unites groups