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SPEAK OUT! & The LOUD Crowd

SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® is a clinically proven speech therapy approach developed by Parkinson Voice Project that combines education, individual speech therapy, and ongoing group sessions to help people with Parkinson’s improve their speech and communication. The program is based on principles of motor learning and teachings of the late Daniel R. Boone who first recognized that individuals with Parkinson’s could markedly improve their speaking abilities if they transitioned speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

MyMichigan Health offers this two-part speech therapy program to help individuals with Parkinson’s regain and maintain effective communication.

I have Parkinson's disease, when should I begin seeing a speech therapist?

According to studies, up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. If you are experiencing difficulty in speech, voice, or swallowing, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible to postpone and help prevent this decline. Participation in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd has been scientifically proven to improve speech, voice, swallowing, and overall quality of life.

What is SPEAK OUT! & The LOUD Crowd?

SPEAK OUT! is a one-on-one therapy program specifically designed to preserve the voices and swallowing function of people with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders. This program will teach you how to speak with intent to improve your overall communication and quality of life. SPEAK OUT! is usually completed within 12 individual therapy sessions spanning four weeks before transitioning to The LOUD Crowd.

The LOUD Crowd is the group therapy portion of the program that meets once per week on Fridays. The sessions provide maintenance for skills obtained during SPEAK OUT! and are a source of camaraderie for the members. MyMichigan Health offers The LOUD Crowd for free to SPEAK OUT! graduates.

The SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy regimens were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX.

When and where and I receive services?

SPEAK OUT! is offered on weekdays and The LOUD Crowd meets Friday afternoons. All sessions occur at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, Rehabilitation Services, or can be attended virtually through telehealth.

How do I get registered for SPEAK OUT! & The LOUD Crowd

You will need a referral for speech therapy from your physician.

What costs are associated with these services?

We will bill your insurance for SPEAK OUT! treatment services provided. Please check with your insurance to determine the co-pay or cost associated with these services. We offer The LOUD Crowd program free to those who have graduated from SPEAK OUT!

SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® are registered trademarks of Parkinson Voice Project.

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