Letters to Editor 4 August 2024

All children with speech problems can get free speech therapy

To the editor:
 
As a person who stutters, I would like to offer commentary on your article "Backed by a basketball champion, more kids who stutter may have therapy covered" about the push spearheaded by ex-NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to get legislation passed to require private insurance to pay for speech therapy for children who stutter. The article cited it has been passed in Kentucky and in some forms in other states.
 
While Mr.Kidd-Gilchrist should be applauded for his efforts, I feel for the children who have other types of speech problems. Shouldn't they be included in such legislation, too?
 
Also, I have always known that federal legislation in the 1970s mandates that every child in the U.S. has been given the right to free speech therapy. This right to free speech therapy serves all types of speech problems faced by children. The Stuttering Foundation website (www.StutteringHelp.org) offers a brochure called "Special Education Law and Children Who Stutter" that gives a plan for parents on how to access this free speech therapy. It makes me wonder why such an outstanding effort is being made by this absolute hero Mr. Kidd-Gilchrist if all children with speech problems can get free speech therapy.

The website of the Stuttering Foundation also provides many free resources such as streaming videos, e-books, and downloadable brochures.
 
Sincerely,
 
Laura Palmer
Houston, Texas

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