Date
Friday
May

May 9-15

National Stuttering Awareness Week

Join us in raising awareness and breaking the stigma around stuttering during National Stuttering Awareness Week - let's make our voices heard!

Yearly Date
May 9
Type
Week

Introduction

Get ready to spread awareness and understanding about stuttering on National Stuttering Awareness Week, which occurs from May 9-15. This week-long event has been observed since 1988, aiming to educate the public about stuttering and promote acceptance and support for those who struggle with it. Did you know that approximately 70 million people worldwide have a stutter? Despite being a common speech disorder, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. This week is the perfect opportunity to learn more about stuttering and show your support for those who deal with it every day. Let's break the stigma and celebrate the unique voices of individuals who stutter!

National Stuttering Awareness Week Timeline

1934
First Stuttering Association
The first Stuttering Association, now called the Stuttering Foundation, was founded to provide comprehensive resources and support to people who stutter.
1981
Establishment of National Stuttering Project
The National Stuttering Project, currently known as the National Stuttering Association, was established to connect those who stutter and promote understanding of the disorder.
1988
Inception of National Stuttering Awareness Week
National Stuttering Awareness Week was officially established by an act of Congress in 1988 to occur in the second week of May each year.
1995
"The King's Speech" Film Release
"The King's Speech", a film about King George VI's struggle with stuttering, was released, raising public awareness and prompting discussions about stuttering.
2002
Expansion of Awareness Campaigns
Stuttering awareness campaigns like "Stuttering: For Kids, By Kids" and the "Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for People who Stutter" were launched.
2020
"Stutterer" Short Film Win
"Stutterer", a short film about a man's journey with stuttering, won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, further bringing the topic into mainstream conversations.

How to Celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week

1

Spread awareness on social media

Use your social media platforms to educate others about stuttering and share your personal experiences. You can also use hashtags like #StutteringAwarenessWeek and #StutterPride to join in on the conversation.

2

Attend a local event or workshop

Check with your local community centers or organizations for any events or workshops being held during National Stuttering Awareness Week. This is a great opportunity to learn more about stuttering and connect with others who stutter.

3

Start a conversation about stuttering

Initiate conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about stuttering and its impact. This can help raise awareness and promote understanding of the challenges faced by those who stutter.

4

Host a movie night

Gather some friends and watch a movie or documentary that features characters who stutter. This can be a great way to spark conversations and increase understanding about stuttering.

5

Volunteer with a stuttering organization

Reach out to a local stuttering organization and see if there are any volunteer opportunities during National Stuttering Awareness Week. You can help make a difference in the stuttering community and meet new people along the way.

Why National Stuttering Awareness Week is Important

A

It raises awareness for a common speech disorder

Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the world's population and is more prevalent than most people realize. National Stuttering Awareness Week helps to shed light on this commonly misunderstood disorder and educate others on its effects.

B

It promotes acceptance and understanding

People who stutter may often face discrimination, ridicule, or exclusion due to their speech disorder. National Stuttering Awareness Week aims to promote acceptance and understanding, creating a more inclusive environment for those who stutter.

C

It offers support and resources for individuals who stutter

During this week, there are many events and programs that provide support, resources, and education for individuals who stutter. This can be incredibly helpful in improving their confidence and communication skills, as well as connecting them with others who share similar experiences.

National Stuttering Awareness Week Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 8
Monday
2024
May 8
Wednesday
2025
May 8
Thursday
2026
May 8
Friday
2027
May 8
Saturday